SEATTLE — The Yankees could get a full trifecta of returns when they open a series on Friday at Dodger Stadium.
Josh Donaldson and Tommy Kahnle had been pinpointed to be activated off the injured list around that day, and Giancarlo Stanton could join them despite only having played in one rehab game.
“There’s a chance. We’ll see,” manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday before the Yankees wrapped up a series against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park. “It’s definitely in play. But let’s get through today and we’ll see.”
Stanton, Donaldson and Kahnle all played for Double-A Somerset on Tuesday before getting a full workout in on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.
But the three of them were expected to fly to Los Angeles together to meet the Yankees, who will make the final call on their readiness before activating them.
“I feel like for the most part, they’re ready to go,” Boone said.
Donaldson, out since April 6 with a right hamstring strain, has played in four rehab games over the past week.
Kahnle, out since spring training with right biceps tendinitis, has pitched in five games over the past two weeks.
Stanton, meanwhile, played Tuesday for the first time since he went on the IL April 16 with a left hamstring strain.
But the veteran slugger has put in enough work behind the scenes, the Yankees believe, that he could be ready to jump back into MLB games on Friday.
“There’s so many tools we have now that you can replicate, better than ever, at-bats and things like that,” Boone said. “In Giancarlo’s case, he’s been doing a lot of physical stuff as far as outfield work and the running buildup. But the hitting side of things, what they’re able to do behind the scenes to speed up that curve, has grown exponentially, even over the last couple of years. So no, I’m not too worried about that.”
When Stanton returns, he will DH only for the “first couple weeks,” Boone said, as the Yankees build him up to return to occasional outfield starts.
Harrison Bader did some light agility work in the outfield Wednesday, a day after landing on the IL with a right hamstring strain. His frustration with the injury was palpable, but he did not fight the team about going on the IL.
“I can’t play at the speed at which I know I can to help this team,” Bader said. “I had to go on the IL, heal up and come back when I’m ready.”
Boone said Bader, who has a “low-grade” strain, could be out for a couple of weeks. The center fielder suffered the injury legging out an infield single on Monday night.
“As soon as I hit the base, I guess the impact just kind of grabbed a little bit,” Bader said. “It’ll pass, but it’s frustrating.”
Anthony Rizzo remained out of the lineup for a third straight game because of a strained neck, but he took early batting practice and fielding work and is expected to return on Friday against the Dodgers.
“He’s doing a lot better today,” Boone said.
