NEW YORK (AP) — Giancarlo Stanton anticipates returning to the Yankees' lineup on Thursday when New York starts a trip at Oakland.
Stanton, batting .228 with 24 homers and 61 RBIs for the AL East leaders, has not played since July 23 because of left Achilles tendinitis. The 32-year-old All-Star went 0 for 7 with three strikeouts in two minor league injury rehabilitation games with Double-A Somerset last weekend and is to face injured Yankees pitcher Luis Severino in a simulated game at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday.
“The mornings are my best gauge,” Stanton said. “Some days are more sore than others, but it’s a work in progress. I expect that to diminish.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Stanton likely will be limited to designated hitter when he first returns and could play the outfield later in the season.
New York lost another reliever when Scott Effross was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to Sunday, with a strained right shoulder. Right-hander Clarke Schmidt was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Schmidt was given a new locker position in the Yankees clubhouse, between Gerrit Cole and Aroldis Chapman on the end near the entrance to the showers. When he previously was with the Yankees, Schmidt was near the clubhouse entrance at the other end.
“I’m here next to all the rich guys," Schmidt said, adding “I belong ... over there."
Effross was obtained from the Chicago Cubs last month and had one save and a 3.24 ERA in eight appearances with the Yankees.
“He’s got a small strain,” Boone said. “Hopefully get him back in a few weeks here.”
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