New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton is facing uncertainty for the upcoming opening day due to chronic tendinitis in both elbows. The five-time All-Star, aged 35, battled with this issue throughout last season and into the postseason, where he notably hit seven home runs as the Yankees made it to the World Series for the first time since 2009.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed uncertainty regarding Stanton's availability for the March 27 opener against Milwaukee, stating that they are taking a cautious approach and not setting a specific timeline for his return. Stanton's elbow concerns are being closely monitored to ensure his optimal performance throughout the season.
Additionally, outfielder Trent Grisham is recovering from a left hamstring injury sustained during training but is progressing well and expected to catch up soon.
Stanton, who has a history of injuries, has not played a full season without a trip to the injured list since 2018. His presence in the lineup is crucial, especially following the departure of Juan Soto to the New York Mets on a record-breaking contract.
Boone anticipates that Stanton's elbow issues may persist throughout the season, requiring ongoing maintenance and treatment to manage discomfort and maximize his playing time. Despite his injury history, Stanton's impact on the team's offensive performance is highly valued.
Stanton, known for his powerful hitting, signed a lucrative contract with the Marlins in 2015 before joining the Yankees in 2017. His tenure with the Yankees has been marred by various injuries, limiting his playing time over the years.
Stanton's recent performance, including a productive regular season and postseason contributions, underscores his importance to the team. His absence from the field due to injury poses a challenge for the Yankees, as they rely on his right-handed hitting prowess to maintain balance in the lineup.
In a separate incident, bench coach Brad Ausmus suffered a hamstring injury during a basketball game, highlighting the importance of avoiding off-field activities that could jeopardize players and staff members' health.
As the Yankees prepare for the upcoming season, the focus remains on managing player injuries effectively to ensure a competitive edge on the field.
