Yankees’ Stanton need elbow surgery? Expert weighs in

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The New York Yankees’ preparations for the 2025 campaign have hit a significant roadblock as power hitter Giancarlo Stanton continues to wrestle with bilateral elbow tendinitis. The veteran slugger, now 35, has revealed that this chronic condition shadowed him throughout the previous season, even during his remarkable postseason performance. With the season opener against Milwaukee less than six weeks away, the organization finds itself navigating a delicate balance between recovery and readiness.

Stanton’s shadow of injury lingers

The situation has reached a critical point, with Stanton unable to engage in batting practice for the past four weeks. The Yankees’ medical staff has adopted a conservative approach, prioritizing long-term availability over short-term gains. When pressed about his readiness for Opening Day, Stanton’s measured response—”We’ll see how that goes”—reflected the lingering uncertainty surrounding his condition.

At the heart of Stanton’s struggle lies a condition commonly known as tennis elbow, characterized by microscopic tendon damage that produces persistent discomfort. In a candid moment, the slugger acknowledged that pain levels were “very high in general” throughout the previous season. While discussing potential surgical intervention, Stanton maintained a pragmatic outlook, noting that while overexertion could potentially aggravate the condition, he currently sees no immediate need for such drastic measures.

“If you blow it up, which overdoing it would,” Stanton elaborated, drawing a parallel between excessive strain and potential tendon rupture, “that would be the same if anything were to tear off. But that’s not a worry.”

The Yankees find themselves at a crucial juncture following Juan Soto’s free agency departure, forcing a fundamental reassessment of their offensive strategy. While the additions of Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt bring proven talent to the roster, Stanton’s role as a formidable middle-order presence remains irreplaceable. His ability to impact games when healthy adds a crucial dimension to the team’s postseason aspirations.

Recent scenes from Steinbrenner Field painted a telling picture, as Stanton’s activities were restricted to basic conditioning—light jogging coupled with targeted rehabilitation exercises focusing on forearm strengthening and soft tissue work. This measured approach underscores the delicate nature of his recovery process.

Here is a look at Stanton’s major injury history:

What is tennis elbow? How it is treated?

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that occurs when the tendons in the forearm become inflamed due to repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. Despite its name, it does not only affect tennis players—any activity that involves repetitive gripping or wrist movement can cause this condition, such as playing musical instruments, painting, using tools, or even prolonged computer use.

Tennis elbow is primarily caused by overuse of the extensor muscles in the forearm, which attach to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of the elbow). Repeated strain on these muscles can lead to small tears in the tendon, resulting in pain and inflammation.

The major symptoms are:

• Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow.
• Weak grip strength, making it difficult to shake hands or hold objects.
• Pain radiating down the forearm and worsening with wrist movement.
• Stiffness and discomfort, especially in the morning.

Treatment for tennis elbow focuses on reducing pain, inflammation, and strengthening the affected muscles to prevent future injuries. The recovery process may take several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the condition.

Non-Surgical treatments:

• Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain and give the tendons time to heal.
• Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs (for 15-20 minutes, several times a day) helps reduce swelling and pain.
• Pain Relief Medications: Over-the-counter NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises improve flexibility and build muscle support. Eccentric exercises (slowly lowering weights with wrist extension) are particularly effective.
• Bracing or Strapping: Wearing a forearm strap or brace can relieve pressure on the affected tendons and provide support during daily activities.
• Steroid Injections: In severe cases, corticosteroid injections can provide temporary pain relief by reducing inflammation.
• Shockwave Therapy: Uses sound waves to promote healing in chronic cases.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which stimulate healing by using growth factors from the patient’s own blood.

Surgical treatment (Rare Cases)

If symptoms persist for more than 6 to 12 months despite treatment, surgery may be considered.

• Tendon Debridement Surgery: The damaged part of the tendon is removed to promote healing.
• Tendon Release Surgery: The tendon attachment to the bone is partially released to reduce strain.

Expert medical insight on Stanton injury

Dr. Guillem Gonzalez-Lomas, offering his expertise from NYU Langone’s sports orthopedic department, places Stanton’s condition within a broader context. The specialist explained to The Post that such injuries frequently affect athletes whose sports demand repetitive motions, particularly baseball players who execute hundreds of swings daily. While surgical intervention remains rare, successful management typically involves a combination of physical therapy, specific stretching protocols, and strategic use of injections.

“That’s usually enough to get somebody through a season,” Dr. Gonzalez-Lomas explains. “In general, these are safe conditions to play through. They’re not going to cause any major, permanent problem. But they can be symptomatic, and how long they take to get better is really case-by-case dependent.”

The resilience Stanton demonstrated during October’s playoff run stands as a testament to his determination, as he powered through discomfort to deliver an exceptional performance—seven home runs across 14 games—helping propel the Yankees to the World Series. The concept of stepping away from the game never entered his mindset during this crucial period.

Team captain Aaron Judge offered insight into his teammate’s character: “Big G battles through a lot. For him to turn the switch on there and perform the way he did, that’s why he’s one of the greatest players in the game. … He’s a little banged up right now, but he’ll be back out there soon.”

Strategic recovery timeline

The Yankees’ current strategy prioritizes comprehensive recovery over immediate availability. The organization recognizes that extending Stanton’s rehabilitation period into the early regular season games might prove beneficial in preventing extended absences later in the year.

Stanton himself endorses this approach, stating, “This is just a time to get as much time as I can before—the idea is not to take downtime [during the season]. This is the smartest time during a shorter offseason window to be able to do that.”

As the Yankees continue to evaluate their options, the focus remains squarely on optimizing Stanton’s long-term health while maintaining their competitive edge in the American League. A successfully managed recovery could see the slugger return at full strength, providing the offensive firepower the team needs for another deep postseason run. However, should complications arise, the organization may need to explore alternative strategies to maintain its championship aspirations.

The situation presents a complex challenge for the Yankees’ management, medical team, and Stanton himself. Their handling of this delicate situation in the coming weeks could have far-reaching implications for the team’s performance throughout the 2025 season. As Opening Day approaches, all eyes remain on Stanton’s progress, with the organization hoping their cautious approach will yield dividends when the games matter most.

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