Yankees finally get some good injury news

The Yankees lost Giancarlo Stanton due to injury this week, but Aaron Boone did learn that two starters are close to returning to his lineup. 

Losing Giancarlo Stanton to a hamstring injury on Saturday was a bitter pill for manager Aaron Boone to swallow. Fortunately for the Yankees skipper, help is on the way courtesy of a pair of returning veterans.

Third baseman Josh Donaldson is slated to return to the team as early as Wednesday. He is scheduled to play at least one minor league game before returning to the Bronx. Once he comes off the Injured List he’s expected to reclaim his starting spot at third base.

The Yankees need his bat to improve after his slow start to the regular season, but they’ll be pleased to have his elite defense return to the hot corner.

Harrison Bader’s potential return could do even more to improve the defense behind the Yankees’ pitching staff. The athletic centerfielder isn’t quite as far along in his rehabilitation process as Donaldson, but he is tentatively scheduled to return to the Yankees sometime in the next 2-3 weeks. He hasn’t played at all for the Yankees this season after suffering an oblique injury during Spring Training.

Yankees injury news is great for Giancarlo Stanton

Bader’s return to the everyday lineup could also allow the Yankees to take some defensive pressure off superstar slugger Aaron Judge. He’s forced to play center in Bader’s absence which puts stress on his legs. Judge may still get a few games at centerfield once Bader’s back in the mix, but for the most part, he’ll move back to playing both corner outfield spots.

Yankees fans will still be anxious to know when the likes of Stanton, Carlos Rodon, Jonathan Loaisiga, and Luis Severino will be back to help the club. Each of those stars will require a little more patience from the team’s passionate fan base. The impending returns of Donaldson and Bader will have to suffice for the moment.