Inside the Yankees’ injury crisis: Giancarlo Stanton’s health raises alarming questions

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The New York Yankees could be without Giancarlo Stanton when the 2025 season begins, as the veteran slugger has returned to New York for further medical evaluations. While the team has not confirmed whether these tests specifically address his elbow tendinitis, the condition has been a persistent issue since last season and remains the most probable cause for concern.

Giancarlo Stanton returns to New York for further testing as Opening Day doubts grow

Giancarlo Stanton has left Yankees spring training camp and returned to New York to address a personal matter, according to manager Aaron Boone. “I can tell you he is in New York, but it’s personal in nature and I’m going to leave it at that for now,” Boone said in Fort Myers according to the New York Post. “That’s all I can comment on that.”

Randy Miller and Bob Klapisch of NJ Advance Media first reported on Monday morning that Stanton—who has been dealing with tennis elbow in both arms—traveled to New York for a medical issue. Their report noted that his visit featured an appointment with Dr. Christopher Ahmad, the head of the Yankees’ medical team.

They wrote, “This visit will likely include new testing and a review of Stanton’s treatment options.” They added, “Surgery would be the last line of defense but has so far not been seriously considered. Given his long history of injuries, it’s very possible Stanton is dealing with other issues besides damaged extensor tendons.” Multiple outlets, including the New York Post, confirmed these reports early Monday morning.

A few hours after Stanton’s departure from camp, Aaron Judge addressed the situation, confirming that the slugger was indeed visiting a doctor upon his return to New York. “We’ll see what the doctor says about what’s going on,” Judge said. “I’ve been checking with him every day to talking to him, going out to dinner. He’s got a positive mindset. He has some downtime right now to get right. I want a healthy ‘G’ in the middle of this lineup.”

Manager Aaron Boone also mentioned that he is unsure when Stanton will be back in Tampa. “Hopefully soon,” he told reporters, emphasizing that nothing has changed regarding the status of Stanton’s ailing elbows.

Stanton’s injury issues can be traced back to last season when he was in pain while still delivering offensively in the postseason. His current condition has raised concerns about his availability for Opening Day, especially since he hasn’t swung a bat in weeks. With the regular season set to begin in just over a month, time is running out for him to regain full strength.

Upon arriving at spring training in Tampa, Stanton described his condition candidly. “The pain was very high in general,” he said via the Associated Press via Yahoo. “Tennis elbow, or however they call it, is tears in your tendon. … There’s always the pain level there, and you got to deal with that. So, yeah, it’s just the wisest point to give time right now.” Additionally, when asked why he did not undergo a procedure during the offseason, Stanton offered a blunt response: “I don’t know.”

Despite these setbacks, Stanton’s performance last season showed glimpses of his potential. In 2024, he played 114 games—his highest total since 2021—hitting 27 home runs and posting a .773 OPS. Although he struggled during the regular season, his playoff performance was a bright spot; he hit seven home runs and earned ALCS MVP honors after a dominant series against the Cleveland Guardians.

With Opening Day scheduled for March 27 against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Yankees face the possibility of adjusting their lineup if Stanton remains sidelined. While his role as a designated hitter minimizes concerns about throwing, the challenge of gripping a bat may force the team to consider alternatives. Players like Oswaldo Cabrera, DJ LeMahieu, or Alex Verdugo could see increased opportunities at the plate if needed.

Under the careful watch of head physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad, the Yankees are taking every step necessary to evaluate Stanton’s condition. Although surgery is not currently on the table, the team continues to monitor his progress closely, holding out hope for a full recovery later in the season.

Marcus Stroman stays focused on earning a rotation spot

As Giancarlo Stanton’s health remains uncertain, Marcus Stroman is making it clear that he expects to be part of the Yankees’ starting rotation when the season begins. Originally scheduled to start against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers, Stroman will instead stay in Tampa to throw live batting practice as he continues to prepare for the season.

Despite speculation that he could be moved to the bullpen, Stroman has repeatedly insisted that he belongs in the rotation.

“I know who I am as a pitcher. I’m a very confident pitcher,” Stroman said after his Yankees spring debut, where he helped the team secure a 4-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Stroman, who started 29 games in 2024 and finished with a 10-9 record and a 4.31 ERA, will take the mound again on February 25 against the Twins. His performance in spring training will be crucial in determining whether he earns a rotation spot, especially given his lack of recent postseason experience. He was not part of the Yankees’ 2024 World Series roster and has not pitched in the playoffs since 2016 with the Toronto Blue Jays.

After his most recent outing, Stroman reiterated his stance that he does not want to be moved to a relief role.

“I was sitting in a room like this when I first came up, and everybody told me I would never be able to be a starter; ‘[5-foot-7], you’re too small, you’re going to break down,'” Stroman recalled. “Go look at my career. I’ve been doing this for a long time at a high level, and I keep my body healthy. I pride myself on that.”

Since making his MLB debut in 2014, Stroman has been a durable and reliable starter, posting a 3.72 ERA with 87 wins and 1,204 strikeouts in 1,458.1 innings. His track record includes two All-Star selections and a Gold Glove Award, reinforcing his status as a key part of the Yankees’ pitching staff.

With just a few weeks remaining before Opening Day, Stroman remains focused on proving that he deserves a spot in the rotation, while the Yankees wait for answers regarding Stanton’s health.

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