New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton’s 2025 season could potentially end before it begins.
Stanton has missed the last few weeks with tennis elbow in both arms and recently returned to New York for personal reasons. Finally back in Tampa, the reigning ALCS MVP told reporters Saturday that his tendon injuries are “severe” and he is unsure when he’ll resume baseball activities.
Stanton explained he’s undergone PRP treatments and an “interesting” course of treatments to avoid season-ending surgery.
“I absolutely hate this,” Stanton said.
Stanton dominated opposing pitchers last postseason despite battling elbow issues. He hasn’t swung a bat in two months and is already headed to the injured list.
“It’s going to get to a point of pain tolerance and go from there,” Stanton said, according to the Yankees’ official website.
“I don’t think it’s going to be a 100 percent healed thing and start up,” the five-time All-Star continued. “It’ll be, get to a point and just deal with it, similar to last year.”
Aaron Judge is the favorite to receive regular DH reps in Stanton’s absence. The Yankees unveiled a possible Opening Day lineup Thursday featuring Judge at DH, Trent Grisham in center field, and former NL MVP Cody Bellinger manning right field.
Stanton’s injury could open the door for former New York Mets top prospect Dominic Smith to make the team as a first baseman and DH. Smith entered play Saturday hitting .294 with two home runs and seven RBI.
The Yankees have not been credibly linked to adding another bat ahead of Opening Day. A reunion with ex-starting left fielder Alex Verdugo appears extremely unlikely.
