Giancarlo Stanton, Luis Severino updates will drive Yankees fans up a wall

You thought the New York Yankees performing like a team watching the playoffs in October was infuriating? Well, how about the return of some demoralizing injury updates?! That’ll do the trick, won’t it?

On Friday, ahead of a much-needed “get right” series against the spiraling Boston Red Sox — one that will be far from a cakewalk, though — manager Aaron Boone spoke to the media and provided some insight on the progress of Giancarlo Stanton and Luis Severino as the two make their way back from injuries suffered in July.

First, it was Sevy who went down a month ago with a lat strain, which was hardly the frustrating part. After he left his start early against the Cincinnati Reds on July 13, the right-hander told reporters that he “didn’t feel right” before taking the mound but decided not to tell anybody, in what was the truest fashion to handle a potential injury if you’re a member of the Yankees.

The result? Two innings, four earned runs, an immense strain on the bullpen, and the beginning of what’s been the worst stretch of the team’s season. Oh, it didn’t end there, either!

Right before the Aug. 2 trade deadline, Severino was transferred to the 60-day injured list either without his permission or without his knowledge, and he was reportedly angry with the team’s decision. For whatever reason, he thought he’d be making his way back to the team much sooner. But a mid-September return sounds … just about right after Boone’s message.

Yankees drop injury updates on Giancarlo Stanton and Luis Severino

OK … maybe he could’ve returned, like, two weeks sooner? What would Severino rather have: an extra two or three starts or an extra two weeks to ensure he’s fully healthy and ready for a deep October run? Considering the Yankees’ timeline with placing him on the 60-day wasn’t that far off, it’s egregious that any drama coming from Severino as a result of the decision even had to make a headline.

But, yeah, nonetheless, he’s not close to a return, so either way it’s not a positive for a team that needs pitching depth right now.

Then there’s Stanton, who’s injury situation was clearly mishandled out of the All-Star break. He didn’t play the first game of the doubleheader against the Astros (but was called on to pinch hit) and then played the second. Hm. Then he played the series opener against the Orioles the next day, was benched/pinch hit on Saturday, missed Sunday’s game with whatever was going on, and hit the IL the following week despite nearly being put in the lineup for a game that Tuesday against the Mets.

Initially, his timetable was 2-3 weeks to return … which is right about now. Instead? No timetable on Aug. 12! Perfect.

Arguably the second-most important player on the Yankees probably won’t be available until September, if we’re to provide a conservative estimate. Earlier in the week, it was reported Stanton was partaking in baseball activities, but got the day off from said baseball activities on Tuesday. The day off? From catching fly balls and hitting off of a tee?

Not to be hyperbolic, but the 2021 vibes continue to creep in what was supposed to be a special season. Frustration, anger and resentment is setting in as the Yankees continue to perform poorly, and it’s only going to get worse if they can’t take care of business against a number of key opponents over the next two weeks.

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