Yankees Welcome Back Former MVP After Red Sox Sweep

The New York Yankees are bringing back a big bopper right after a power outage at Fenway Park.

New York scored four combined runs in three losses to the Boston Red Sox. The sweep signified the Yankees’ worst offensive output during a three-game series at Fenway Park in over 100 years.

The Yankees sure could have used Giancarlo Stanton over the weekend. Elbow injuries have sidelined the star slugger all season.

Perhaps to the benefit of Boston’s pitchers, Stanton will make his 2025 debut too late to participate in the division rivalry series. The Yankees activated Stanton, who will start Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels as the starting designated hitter. He’ll bat fifth against José Soriano.

Stanton is no longer the unstoppable superstar who took home 2019 National League MVP honors with 59 home runs for the Miami Marlins. But despite batting .231 over the past four seasons, he remains a prolific power threat with 117 home runs in 464 games.

Last October, Stanton reminded everyone that he’s still one of the game’s most dangerous sluggers when in a rhythm. The five-time All-Star powered New York to the World Series with seven postseason home runs and a 1.048 OPS.

Stanton’s return provides extra muscle to a Yankees lineup already leading the AL in home runs (109) and slugging percentage (.455) behind Aaron Judge. It also presents a roster dilemma for manager Aaron Boone to navigate.

Ben Rice has excelled in Stanton’s absence, registering 12 home runs and a .771 OPS. Yet the 26-year-old has slowed down following a sizzling April.

Stanton will likely take more playing time away from Rice than Paul Goldschmidt, who’s batting .311/.371/.455 in his first season in the Big Apple. However, Rice is starting at first base instead on Monday.