Giancarlo Stanton leaves Yankees spring camp for medical testing in New York

Stanton’s Elbow Tendinitis Raises Opening Day Doubts

Giancarlo Stanton’s availability for the New York Yankees’ Opening Day is becoming a matter of increasing concern. According to reports from the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the 35-year-old slugger is returning to New York for medical tests. While it’s not definitively known if these tests are specifically for his injured elbows, the likelihood is high given his recent health issues. Stanton, a veteran of 16 seasons, disclosed last week that he hadn’t swung a bat in three to four weeks due to tendinitis in both elbows, a condition that has been plaguing him since last season. The pain, he explained, is persistent and requires careful management to avoid further complications.

The Severity of Stanton’s Condition

Stanton’s comments to the Associated Press regarding the pain levels in his elbows paint a vivid picture of the challenges he faces. "The pain was very high in general," he said. "Tennis elbow or however they call it, is tears in your tendon, so it’s not when did it feel good, when did it feel bad? There’s always the pain level there and you got to deal with that." This chronic pain has forced him and Yankees manager Aaron Boone to take a cautious approach, emphasizing the need for rest and recovery. Stanton’s condition is not new; it has been a recurring issue, and the decision to give his elbows time to heal is seen as the most prudent course of action.

Limited Participation in Spring Training

Upon reporting to spring training in Tampa, Stanton’s involvement has been limited to light agility drills. His absence from any of the Yankees’ media availability sessions on Sunday further fueled speculation about his health, leading to the report that he flew back to New York for a Monday morning appointment with the team’s head physician, Dr. Christopher Ahmad, as noted by NJ.com. Stanton’s role as a designated hitter last season may mitigate some concerns about his throwing ability, but the difficulty in gripping a bat remains a significant hurdle. This condition is expected to be a challenge he will have to manage throughout the upcoming season.

Potential Treatment Options and Risks

Further testing and treatment options are on the table for Stanton. These may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and other conservative approaches. However, surgery is also a possibility, though it is considered a last resort. When asked why he didn’t opt for surgery during the offseason, Stanton’s response was succinct and somewhat enigmatic: "I don’t know." The reluctance to undergo surgery could be due to the lengthy recovery time and the associated risks, which could impact his performance and the team’s dynamics early in the season.

Stanton’s Impact on the Yankees

Last season, Stanton played 114 games, the most he has played since 2021. Despite his injury, he managed to bat .233 with a .773 OPS, 27 home runs, 20 doubles, and 72 RBIs. His presence in the lineup was especially crucial during the Yankees’ postseason run to the World Series, where he hit seven home runs with a remarkable 1.048 OPS. Stanton’s heroics during the ALCS, where he hit four home runs against the Cleveland Guardians and was named MVP, highlighted his importance to the team. The Yankees are banking on his power and experience to help them remain competitive in 2025.