NEW YORK — A return date for Giancarlo Stanton appears to be set.
Prior to a 4-2 win over the New York Mets, the Yankees slugger told the media Monday that he was aiming to return in time for New York’s series in Oakland against the Athletics on Thursday.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed the date as Stanton’s tentative return barring any setbacks from his left Achilles tendinitis recovery. Stanton, the MVP of last month’s All-Star Game, is expected to face Luis Severino in live batting practice on Tuesday.
“Forcing nothing back,” Stanton said when asked if he felt an urgency to return amid the team’s struggles. “That would be stupid.”
Stanton said he was excited to eventually return to playing outfield despite the fact he would be the designated hitter to start out.
“I just want to jump in there and get some games under my belt to get a better gauge of it, but I help the team better when I’m in the outfield and make us more dynamic,” Stanton said. “So just as soon as possible.”
Boone also added that reliever Clay Holmes is expected to return off the injured list as soon as his 15 days are up, which would put him on track to come back by the team’s first game against the Angels on Aug. 29.
Additionally, the Yankees placed reliever Scott Effross on the injured list and activated Clarke Schmidt.