The New York Yankees faced an immediate setback as they entered spring training, with Giancarlo Stanton suffering an injury that will keep him out for several weeks. After already being sidelined for multiple weeks, it now seems that Stanton will not be returning to the Yankees lineup anytime soon.
Stanton was diagnosed with an elbow injury, which he had been managing during the MLB playoffs. However, the tendon issues have worsened, and he revealed that he is dealing with “severe” problems in both elbows. While surgery is an option, it would be season-ending, and the Yankees are hoping to avoid that for now.
Stanton’s 2024 stats: .233/.298/.475, .773 OPS, 27 home runs, 72 RBI, 20 doubles, 49 runs in 417 at-bats.
He has already undergone multiple rounds of PRP injections in both elbows, but the treatment has had little effect on the “tennis elbow” condition. Stanton has been ruled out for Opening Day, and his absence continues to be extended.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the team is hopeful that Stanton could return by Memorial Day, May 26. However, the elbow injuries aren’t the only issues he’s facing. Stanton is also reportedly dealing with a chronic calf problem that may have kept him out of spring training, even without the elbow injuries. Even if he’s cleared to return in May, the calf issue may require ongoing treatment.
Stanton’s contract: $32 million in 2025, $19 million in 2026, $15 million in 2027, and a $15 million club option for 2028.
This situation comes at a time when the Yankees are also missing DJ LeMahieu and recently lost Gerrit Cole to season-ending Tommy John surgery. Ben Rice, a potential replacement for Stanton in the lineup, has posted a .728 OPS in spring training with 2 home runs and a .316 OBP.
While New York remains hopeful that Stanton will return before June, the likelihood of that happening is growing slimmer. Unfortunately, like the void in their rotation, the Yankees currently lack options to replace Stanton’s production. That may change in July, when Stanton could still be sidelined.
