The New York Yankees will begin the 2025 MLB season without one of their most formidable power hitters. Giancarlo Stanton has been placed on the injured list after receiving platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in both of his elbows, the team confirmed on Saturday. Stanton, who reported to spring training with ongoing elbow discomfort, will need more time to recover before he can join the team.
Persistent elbow pain forces Giancarlo Stanton to miss opening day
Stanton revealed that he's been dealing with soreness in his elbows since last year. He hadn't swung a bat for three to four weeks before spring training and explained the situation in an interview earlier this month.
It's definitely not just soreness, Stanton said, as reported by the New York Post. It was a manageable thing [last year]. That's how last year and this year will go. It's not a, 'When did it feel good, when did it feel bad?' There's always a pain level there. You got to deal with that. It's just the wisest point to give time right now.
Despite the injury, Stanton remains optimistic about returning to the field once he completes his rehabilitation. The 35-year-old has been away from the Yankees camp for the past week to tend to a personal matter while continuing his treatment for the elbow pain. The Yankees have stated that Stanton is expected to rejoin the team in spring training in the near future.
Giancarlo Stanton's injury history and impact on the Yankees
Stanton’s absence comes as no surprise, given his injury history. Last season, he missed approximately a month due to a hamstring strain but still managed to hit 27 home runs in 114 games. He had a stellar postseason as well, setting a Yankees record for most homers in a single postseason (seven in 14 games) and earning ALCS MVP honors. Notably, he managed this success while dealing with ongoing elbow issues.
Since 2019, Stanton has been plagued by various injuries, limiting him to just 505 of 870 possible regular-season games, or 58% of the time. His injuries have mostly been related to lower-body muscle pulls, and he now primarily serves as a designated hitter (DH) for the Yankees. The team has adapted by rotating players through the DH position when Stanton is unavailable.
Yankees adjusting without Giancarlo Stanton
With Stanton set to miss the season opener, the Yankees will likely turn to outfielder Trent Grisham and a mix of infielders, including Oswaldo Cabrera, DJ LeMahieu, and Oswald Peraza, to fill in during his absence. First baseman Ben Rice, who notably hit three home runs in a game last summer, could also see increased playing time.
Giancarlo Stanton's legacy and future with the Yankees
Now entering his 35th year, Stanton is poised to continue his pursuit of career milestones. With 429 career home runs, he holds the title of most home runs among active players. He still has three years remaining on his contract, during which he could potentially reach 500 career home runs. The Yankees are set to owe him $66 million over these remaining years.
