The Yankees are starting the season without Giancarlo Stanton as he recovers from bilateral elbow injuries, but there’s a small bit of encouraging news on the slugger’s recovery.
Stanton, who’s on the 10-day IL with no clear timetable for return, has begun swinging a bat again according to manager Aaron Boone.
“He’s doing pretty well,” Boone told The New York Daily News on Thursday. “We’ve all been encouraged by the last couple of weeks. Still no timetable on anything, but he’s been able to swing the bat and feel like there’s been some steady improvement day after day.”
That’s the good news. The reality check? Boone also admitted Stanton “has a ways to go” in his recovery process.
Stanton arrived at spring training on time, but the team immediately disclosed he was dealing with elbow issues. His absence creates a significant power void in the Yankees lineup that won’t be easy to fill.
So far, the Yankees plan to lean on lefty Ben Rice to help cover Stanton’s absence. Rice showed some promise during his rookie campaign last season and will get an opportunity for expanded playing time while the veteran slugger recovers.
Stanton’s power is irreplaceable in today’s game. He’s the active MLB leader with 429 career home runs – the only current player above the 400 mark. Despite his well-documented injury history, he’s been a consistent power threat when available, launching 162 homers since joining the Yankees in 2018.
The swing progress is a positive sign, but Yankees fans shouldn’t expect to see Stanton in the lineup anytime soon. The fact he’s taking steps forward, though, suggests his 2025 season isn’t completely derailed.
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