The New York Yankees have been dealt a thunderous blow as pitcher Jake Cousins is officially out for the entire 2025 MLB season—just as Giancarlo Stanton makes a headline-grabbing return. The devastating announcement comes as Cousins prepares to undergo Tommy John surgery, a dreaded procedure that spells a long and uncertain road to recovery for any pitcher.
Cousins, 30, was already battling a series of setbacks throughout the year. Having first strained his forearm during Spring Training, the right-hander landed on the 60-day injured list with a more serious flexor tendon strain. Hopes briefly flickered in early June when he took the mound for minor league rehab appearances with High-A Hudson Valley on June 3 and 7—but those hopes were swiftly crushed when he experienced discomfort once again.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed the grim news over the weekend, telling reporters that the pitcher would “likely undergo the operation this week.” Sources believe Cousins will have the surgery on Wednesday, effectively ruling him out for the entire 2025 campaign.
The root of the injury appears to be damage to Cousins’ Ulnar Collateral Ligament, a classic precursor to Tommy John surgery. “That’s unfortunately where we are,” said Boone. “He gave it everything he had, but the elbow just didn’t hold up.”
The timeline for recovery is daunting—12 to 18 months under the best circumstances, though even that doesn’t guarantee a full return to form. Baseball pitchers, in particular, face a long road back, as seen with two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who is only now set to return to the mound after nearly two years away due to the same operation.
To add even more intrigue, Jake Cousins is the cousin of NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins, adding a cross-sport connection that fans can’t help but talk about. He arrived in New York following a trade from the Chicago White Sox last year and had previously spent three notable seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers.
However, amid the sorrow and concern surrounding Cousins, there is a glimmer of optimism in Yankee land. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, once a pillar of power for the team, is ready to light up the lineup again. After missing the Yankees’ first 70 games due to severe tendon inflammation in both elbows, Stanton is slated to return to action against the Los Angeles Angels, batting fifth in the order.
Boone was practically beaming when discussing Stanton’s return. “He feels good to go,” Boone said. “Excited to get the big boy back.”
Stanton showed sparks of his old self during a rehab stint with Double-A Somerset, going three for 11 with four RBIs in three games before rain cut the assignment short. He spent Sunday working out at Yankee Stadium, even as the team suffered a humiliating sweep in Boston.
But fans remain skeptical. Since being traded from the Miami Marlins in 2018, Stanton has missed a staggering 364 out of 940 games—nearly 40 percent of his potential appearances. Despite this, there’s hope that this latest comeback will ignite the Yankees offense at a time when they desperately need it.
As the Yankees brace for life without Cousins and cautiously welcome Stanton back, the season now balances on a knife’s edge. Will Stanton’s return be the spark they need, or will Cousins’ injury mark the unraveling of their 2025 dreams?
