Sports

Yankees Injury Update: Stanton Returns, Cousins Faces Surgery, Pitching Staff in Flux

June 19, 2025

As of mid-June 2025, the New York Yankees continue to manage a substantial injury list with players sidelined across all areas of the roster. Several players are progressing through their respective recoveries, while others have experienced complications or face extended absences.

Here’s the Yankees’ current injury situation, including comments from manager Aaron Boone, rehab milestones, projected return dates, and all official transactions.

Key Takeaways

Giancarlo Stanton made his season debut on June 16, going 2-for-4 with a double after missing nearly three months due to bilateral elbow tendinitis.
Jake Cousins will undergo Tommy John surgery, officially ending his 2025 season and likely sidelining him into 2026.
Several pitchers are progressing in rehab, with Luis Gil nearing live batting sessions, Marcus Stroman ramping up in rehab starts, and Luke Weaver reporting no setbacks.

Giancarlo Stanton Returns, Goes 2-for-4 in Season Debut

Giancarlo Stanton returned to the Yankees’ lineup on June 16, 2025, after missing the entire season so far with tendinitis in both elbows. He was placed on the injured list on March 24 and made his comeback during a 1-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium.

Stanton went 2-for-4 with a double. In his first at-bat, he grounded out hard to third base with a 101.5 mph exit velocity. In the fourth inning, he hit a single past the shortstop into left field at 111.1 mph. He struck out in his third plate appearance on three straight knuckle curves from Jose Soriano. In his last at-bat, he doubled to left field off Kenley Jansen. Jasson Domínguez pinch-ran for him, but the Yankees didn’t score.

After the game, Stanton said, “Great to be back. Obviously wanted to win. But yeah, it’s good to be back out there.” He added that he’s still working on his timing at the plate and wants to focus on seeing pitches well, especially with fewer at-bats so far. He said the four rehab games with Double-A Somerset, including three in a row, helped him get ready.

Manager Aaron Boone said Stanton looked strong. “Thought he was great,” Boone said. “He smoked that grounder in his first at-bat, got a hit, and then smoked the double in the ninth. He looked really good.”

Boone also said Stanton moved well and has been seeing fastballs better lately during rehab. “Now it’s just about doing it every day and seeing how he bounces back,” he said.

Jake Cousins Scheduled for Tommy John Surgery

Right-handed pitcher Jake Cousins was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 27 due to a right forearm strain. He had been on a Minor League rehab assignment but was returned from it on June 11. On June 14, manager Aaron Boone said Cousins appeared to have a UCL injury and was “moving toward Tommy John surgery.” On June 18, it was confirmed that Cousins will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. He will miss the rest of the 2025 season and likely a portion of 2026 due to the standard 14–18 month recovery timeline.

Luis Gil Progressing Toward Live Batters After Lat Injury

Luis Gil, a right-handed pitcher, has been recovering from a right lat strain. He was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 24. According to Boone, on June 14, Gil is approximately 10 to 14 days away from facing live hitters. He began tossing from a bullpen mound on May 30, his first time since the injury. The team is targeting a return in late July or August, although no exact date has been set.

Luke Weaver Reports No Issues After Throwing Session

Right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver was placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 1) with a left hamstring strain. He received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to aid recovery. On June 14, Weaver threw a bullpen or live batting practice session and reported that his hamstring felt “great.” His rehab is progressing well. While a specific return date was not given, he remains on track for a June or July return.

Marcus Stroman Makes First Rehab Start with Double-A Somerset

Marcus Stroman, who was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 12 due to left knee inflammation, made his first rehab start for Double-A Somerset on June 11. In that outing, Stroman threw 3 1/3 innings, recorded 46 pitches, and struck out four batters. He recovered well the following day. Boone confirmed on June 12 that Stroman is being built up as a starter. No exact return date was given, but his recovery is progressing as expected.

Oswaldo Cabrera “Probably Unlikely” to Return in 2025

Third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera was placed on the 10-day injured list on May 13 due to a fractured left ankle. He underwent surgery on May 15 to repair the fracture and ligament damage. On June 5, Boone said it’s “probably unlikely” that Cabrera will return during the 2025 season. Cabrera himself stated on June 5 that his recovery is going well. He is currently using a scooter and wearing a protective boot. He has not ruled out the possibility of returning this year, but no timeline has been established.

JT Brubaker Works Through Multi-Level Rehab Assignments

JT Brubaker, another right-handed pitcher, was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 24 with fractured ribs. His rehab began with High-A Hudson Valley on May 18. He then pitched for Double-A Somerset on May 23, going 2 2/3 innings with 2 runs, 1 earned run, 1 hit, and 3 walks. On May 29, Brubaker threw four scoreless innings with just one hit allowed for Somerset. His rehab was transferred to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on June 3. No estimated return date has been given.

Gerrit Cole Speaks About Recovery, Broadcast Role Planned

Gerrit Cole, the Yankees’ ace pitcher, underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery on March 11 in Los Angeles. The procedure was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache and involved a complete UCL reconstruction with an internal brace. He was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 22. On May 5, Cole said he expects to resume playing catch in August. He is planning on a 14-month recovery timeline, counting from the date of surgery. Cole also spoke to Jack Curry on June 12 and confirmed that he will appear in the YES Network broadcast booth this season. Cole stated that everything in his recovery is going well.

Chase Hampton Recovering from Tommy John Surgery

Chase Hampton, another right-handed pitcher, is recovering from Tommy John surgery. The surgery was previously reported with an expected return in May or June of 2026. This status was last updated on February 26. No new information has been provided since then.