Injuries continue to shape the Yankees’ roster decisions, and general manager Brian Cashman provided key updates on Luis Gil, DJ LeMahieu, and Giancarlo Stanton in an interview with MLB’s Bryan Hoch on Thursday.
Yankees will stick with internal solutions at third dase
With DJ LeMahieu’s recovery timeline still unclear, speculation grew that the Yankees might look for a right-handed bat to help fill the void at third base. However, Cashman shut down the idea of signing an external replacement, making it clear that the team could rely on Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera.
Cashman said that Aaron Boone will work with the options already available. That means Peraza and Cabrera will be tasked with covering third base until LeMahieu returns: “Boonie will play with what he’s got. Either an individual will emerge or he’ll multi-player it.”
Peraza, known for his strong defense, will get a chance to prove himself at the plate after struggling offensively last season. Cabrera has been used in multiple positions over the past two years and brings a switch-hitting element, but he will need to show more consistency with the bat to secure a regular role.
If LeMahieu’s absence extends longer than expected, the Yankees may have to reassess their infield situation, but for now, Peraza and Cabrera will handle third base duties.
Luis Gil sidelined until at least the summer
The Yankees’ rotation took a hit as Luis Gil, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year, will be sidelined for at least three months due to a high-grade lat strain.
“Six weeks minimum of no throw, could be longer if he takes longer”. Cashman said.
A second MRI in New York confirmed the severity of the injury, and Gil is now shut down from throwing for at least six weeks. However, Cashman cautioned that his return could take longer depending on how his rehab progresses.
Gil played a crucial role for the Yankees last season, stepping up in the rotation after Gerrit Cole was sidelined with elbow inflammation. The 26-year-old righty finished the 2024 season with a 15-7 record, a 3.50 ERA, and 171 strikeouts over 151.2 innings before pitching in the postseason.
His recovery will involve a throwing program, bullpen sessions, and minor league rehab starts before he is ready to return to the Yankees’ rotation.
With Gil sidelined, Marcus Stroman now solidifies his spot in the rotation after an offseason filled with trade rumors and his firm stance that he would not pitch out of the bullpen.
The Yankees’ depth options include Carlos Carrasco, a veteran added for insurance, and Will Warren, who has impressed in spring training and could earn starts. Non-roster invitee Allan Winans is also in camp as another potential depth piece.
If the rotation struggles without Gil, the Yankees may need to explore adding a starter later in the season.
Stanton’s recovery timeline remains unclear
Brian Cashman also dropped a bombshell, revealing that Giancarlo Stanton has been receiving injections in both arms as he deals with tennis elbow in both arms. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed that the slugger has been receiving platelet-rich plasma injections in both elbows. While Cashman did not provide a specific timeline for Stanton’s return, he made it clear that it won’t be anytime soon.
“Give it the time it needs. We’ll clearly look forward to getting him back at some point, but obviously, in the near term, that won’t be the case,” Cashman said.
The 35-year-old’s injury raises concerns about how long the Yankees will be without one of their biggest power threats. With Stanton sidelined indefinitely, the team may have to adjust its lineup strategy to compensate for his absence.
Stanton received a second round of PRP injections on Thursday to help speed up the healing process. As per Yahoo, he is expected to rejoin the Yankees in Tampa this weekend, but he likely won’t take part in baseball activities just yet.
Asked why the tendinitis wasn’t addressed during the offseason, Cashman explained that Stanton didn’t report any issues until shortly before spring training.
“The complaints didn’t come up until right before camp,” Cashman said via MLB.com. “He was dealing with it at the end of last year and thought we were in a good place, but then it reared its ugly head about three weeks before camp.”
The Yankees have already confirmed that Stanton will start the 2025 season on the injured list. He hasn’t participated in spring training due to the elbow issues, which have kept him from swinging a bat for the past month. The injury dates back to last season, making his recovery even more complicated.
Before leaving Tampa, Stanton was asked why he hadn’t opted for surgery over the winter. His response was blunt: “I don’t know.” He has also admitted that he expects to deal with discomfort in his elbows throughout the season, even with treatment.
Surgery, which would sideline Stanton for three months, is being considered a “last resort,” according to Cashman.
“I can’t rule out surgery, but I know it’s not recommended at the front end of this thing,” Cashman said. “If we have multiple failed attempts at treatment, then obviously we start looking at different ways of intervention.”
Last season, Stanton hit .233 with a .773 OPS, 27 home runs, 20 doubles, and 72 RBIs in 114 games. He stepped up in the postseason, blasting seven home runs with a 1.048 OPS and earning ALCS MVP honors after hitting four homers against the Cleveland Guardians.
With Stanton out, Aaron Judge is expected to see more time at DH. He started in that role during the Yankees’ Grapefruit League game against the Twins on Thursday, while Trent Grisham played center field, Cody Bellinger shifted to right, and Jasson Dominguez took over in left field.
Other DH candidates include Ben Rice, outfielder Everson Pereira, catcher/infielder J.C. Escarra, and veteran first baseman/outfielder Dominic Smith, who hit 22 doubles and six home runs last season while splitting time between the Red Sox and Reds.
The Yankees will continue to monitor Stanton’s progress, hoping his treatment plan allows him to return without needing surgery. In the meantime, they’ll need to find ways to compensate for his absence in the lineup.
Jasson Dominguez viewed as a top AL rookie of the year candidate
While Luis Gil’s injury has left a gap in the Yankees’ rotation, another rookie could be on the verge of a breakout season—Jasson Domínguez. The highly touted outfielder hasn’t had an ideal start to spring training, but Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made it clear that the organization still sees a path for him to contribute.
“There’s a lane for him to take. I’d love for him to get that opportunity,” Cashman said. “He’s got the opportunity to take it, but he’s going to have to earn it at the same time.”
Domínguez, 21, has struggled at the plate this spring, batting .190 with a .560 OPS, numbers that have drawn criticism from fans expecting more after his electric debut in 2023. But the Yankees are not shying away from their faith in him.
Despite the slow start, betting odds still list Domínguez among the top candidates for AL Rookie of the Year, a testament to how highly he’s regarded in baseball circles.
Last season, the switch-hitter was limited to just eight MLB games before undergoing Tommy John surgery, but he made an immediate impact, hitting .258 with four home runs. His combination of power and speed makes him a tantalizing talent, though his path to playing time is uncertain.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
