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**Stanton Returns with a Bang in Yankees’ Extra-Innings Loss**
NEW YORK – Giancarlo Stanton made his long-awaited season debut for the New York Yankees on Monday after recovering from tendon injuries. While the Yankees fell to the Los Angeles Angels in an 11-inning, 1-0 heartbreaker, Stanton showcased his readiness with a 2-for-4 performance, including a blistering double, demonstrating his ability to handle high-velocity pitching.
Prior to the game, Stanton focused on preparing for elite velocity, hitting against a high-speed pitching machine. Stanton had missed the Yankees’ first 70 games, following a season in which he played through elbow pain.
“It’s great to be back,” Stanton said. “Obviously, want to win, but it’s good to be back out there. I saw the ball pretty well besides one at-bat.”
The 35-year-old slugger received a standing ovation from the Yankee Stadium crowd upon his return. He immediately made his presence felt, hitting a 101.5 mph groundout on the first pitch he saw, followed by a 111.1 mph single.
Despite Stanton’s impressive return, the Yankees’ offense struggled to push runs across the plate, extending their scoreless streak to 20 innings.
Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the challenge of integrating Stanton into a lineup that has been performing well without him, creating a roster puzzle involving the DH spot and outfield positions. Ben Rice, who had been filling in at DH, started at first base. Boone also mentioned the possibility of Rice playing catcher occasionally to get his bat into the lineup more frequently.
In other news, the Yankees designated utility man Pablo Reyes for assignment to make room for Stanton on the active roster. Right-hander Jake Cousins is set to undergo Tommy John surgery on Wednesday and is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2026 season.
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