The New York Yankees will be without star slugger Giancarlo Stanton indefinitely, and the latest update provided more discouraging news.
It was revealed early in spring training that Stanton has been dealing with tendon injuries in both elbows and that it was unclear when the 35-year-old would return to the field.
After going to New York to attend to a personal issue while also receiving some extra treatment, the Yankees made an official announcement on Stanton’s status for the start of the season.
The team announced Saturday afternoon that Stanton will begin the regular season on the injured list after receiving PRP injections in both of his elbows, per Meredith Marakovitz of YES Network.
“Giancarlo Stanton has remained in NYC since leaving camp to tend to a manner personal in nature. During this time he has continued rehab process & received PRP injections in both of his elbows. He will start the season on the IL. He’s expected to return to Tampa in coming weeks,” Marakovitz posted on X.
Stanton is still without a timetable for return, which makes this injury even more concerning. The Yankees were already dealing with a depleted lineup after missing out on Juan Soto this offseason. Stanton’s injury further complicates the team’s outlook for scoring runs.
The Yankees reportedly have had some contact with free-agent slugger J.D. Martinez as a potential replacement option so it will be interesting to see if that development grows legs.
In 114 games last season, Stanton hit .233 with 27 home runs, 72 RBI and a 115 OPS+. He was also arguably the team’s best hitter in the postseason alongside Soto. Stanton hit .273 with seven home runs, 16 RBI and a 1.048 OPS in 62 plate appearances.
Looking to repeat as American League pennant winners, the Yankees may have to get creative when it comes to producing runs in Stanton’s absence.