Yankees Make Giancarlo Stanton Decision After Latest Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Apr 28, 2026 11:42 AM ET

The New York Yankees immediately bounced back from their lone loss in nine games with a win on Monday, improving to a 19-10 record to strengthen their position atop the AL East.

The Yankees have leaned on a lineup featuring three players—outside of the regular starters—in at least nine games and all logging 28 at-bats or more.

That depth, however, was tested over the weekend after designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton exited Friday’s game against the Houston Astros with a lower-leg issue.

Stanton recorded one hit, including an RBI single, before leaving the game experiencing tightness while running the bases. Through 24 games this season, the 36-year-old is batting .256 with three home runs and 14 RBIs, continuing to serve strictly as the Yankees' designated hitter.

New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27)© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Following an MRI, the Yankees placed Stanton on the 10-day injured list on Monday with a low-grade right calf strain, a move manager Aaron Boone described as precautionary.

“It doesn’t look too serious, but enough to not want to wait a couple of more days,” Boone said.

New York had initially given Stanton time to recover over the weekend, but ultimately opted for the injured list to avoid risking a more significant setback—especially given his history with lower-body injuries.

Stanton’s IL stint is backdated to April 25, meaning he could return as early as the first week of May if his recovery progresses without complications.

Yankees will place DH Giancarlo Stanton on the IL (right calf strain), per manager Aaron Boone. pic.twitter.com/bP7AVDaVpH
— MLB (@MLB) April 28, 2026

Boone indicated that the Yankees believe the injury could be limited to the minimum 10-day absence, though he declined to commit to a firm return date, saying, “We’ll see what we have as the week unfolds.”

The Yankees recalled outfielder Jasson Domínguez to help fill the roster spot, with the 20-year-old going 1-for-4 on Monday's win, striking out twice.

New York faces the Texas Rangers on the road for the second game of their series on Tuesday, with first pitch set for 8:05 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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