Yankees Release Encouraging Update After Giancarlo Stanton Surprisingly Scratched From Rehab Game

Even though New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed his optimism that star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton could make his return for next week's home stand, the slugger hit a mysterious snag on Tuesday.

After playing for the Single-A Tampa Tarpons on Monday, the slugger was pulled from Tuesday night's start, about 20 minutes before first pitch. The team, of course, went silent until they were done beating up on the Orioles.

Well, breathe easy, Yankee fans. It's not the shoulder. According to Boone, Stanton felt tightness in his calf or knee after getting hit by a pitch during live batting practice days ago. Being pulled was a precautionary move by the team, and Stanton is expected to be cleared for Wednesday's game.

Boone said Stanton got through all of his pregame work today just fine but there was some lingering tightness in his “calf/knee” area after a HBP during live BP a couple of days ago. A precautionary move to keep him out Boone said. Expected to be in lineup tomorrow
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) May 22, 2019

Stanton has been out of action since April 1 after suffering a left biceps strain. During his rehabilitation, the slugger had a setback in the form of a left shoulder ailment.

The former NL MVP played right field on Monday, and went 1-for-3 with a home run and two strikeouts (of course he did).

Giancarlo Stanton was held out of tonight's rehab game because his calf/knee felt sore after he was hit by a pitch there the other day. Boone called it "precautionary" and said he might be able to play tomorrow.
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) May 22, 2019

New York has the convenience of being cautious with their star players, considering their replacements are playing at a high level, leading them to first place in the A.L. East.

From the sounds of it, Stanton should be on his way back to the Bronx in the very near future.