by The New York Yankees announced on Saturday that Giancarlo Stanton is starting the 2025 season on the injured list. Stanton was not ready for the opening day, seemed to be an inevitable result, because he was unable to participate in the spring training due to tendinitis in both elbows.
Last week Stanton left the spring camp in Tampa for further medical tests by team doctors in New York. The Yankees revealed that he received platelet -rich plasma (PRP) injections in both elbows hoping to speed up the healing process.
Before that, the 16-year-old veteran revealed that he had not waved a bat in a month because of the pain in his elbows. Stanton also explained that he has dealt with this issue that goes back to last season.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the decision was made because Stanton does not have enough time to be ready for the opening day. Moreover, his absence means that other players must be prepared to replace him with the designated Slagman.
“Just without time,” said Boone, via the New York Post. “The biggest thing is to do it good. If that costs us a bit on the front, it is so. I feel that we will get a good place with this. It’s a long year.”
While Stanton is on the IL, Aaron Judge could see more time at DH, allowing Trent to play Grisham midfield while Cody Bellinger goes to the right. Jasson DomÃnguez is expected to start the season in the left field.
The Yankees can also give Most DH strokes to Ben Rice against right-handed pitching. Rice hit his first home run of spring in Saturday’s 9-3 victory at the Houston Astros. Last season he hit six of his seven home runs opposite the right hand.
Other options currently in the camp include Outfielder Everton Pereira, Catcher/Infielder JC Escarra and Veteran First Baseeman/Outfielder Dominic Smith, who last season hit 22 Doubles and six gayers with the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds.
Another possibility is to go outside the organization for DH help. The Yankees reportedly had contact with JD Martinez, who .235 hit with a .725 Ops, 16 home runs, 24 Doubles and 69 RBI for the New York Mets last season.
Each of those options will be less productive than Stanton, which .233 struck with a .773 Ops, 27 home runs, 20 Doubles and 72 RBI in 114 games last season. He also had an impactful late season and hit seven home runs with a 1,048 Ops. But that is a disputed point while Stanton is too injured to play.
The Yankees open the 2025 MLB season on March 27 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
