Giancarlo Stanton Faces Challenges with Tennis Elbow Ahead of New Season

The Ongoing Battle with Pain

New York Yankees star Giancarlo Stanton is gearing up for the upcoming season, but life both on and off the field remains challenging due to persistent tennis elbow injuries affecting both arms. In his latest interview with NJ.com, Stanton opened up about the day-to-day struggles he faces as a result of this nagging condition.

“I can’t open a bottle. I can’t open a bag of chips … a bag of anything. That’s the way it is,” Stanton candidly shared.

Injury Overview

• Tennis Elbow: Stanton missed the first 70 games of the previous season due to the condition and opted against surgery during the offseason, believing it wouldn’t resolve the problem.
• Impact on Performance: Despite these challenges, Stanton aims for a robust performance during the upcoming season.

Spring Training Update

As the Yankees enter spring training, Stanton has been held out of the first six games to allow for recovery. Both he and manager Aaron Boone anticipate his return around March 3, particularly for a matchup against Panama’s World Baseball Classic (WBC) team.

• Expected Timeline: This return would provide Stanton with approximately two weeks of game action.
• Preparations: He has been actively hitting in the cages and facing live pitching during practice sessions.

Commitment to Contribute

Stanton remains optimistic about participating in a full season despite the challenges of pain management. Boone has noted the importance of a strategic approach to Stanton’s playing time, emphasizing:

“There were days he was playing where it was tough for him, but he wanted in there.”

Historical Performance

Stanton’s track record with the Yankees highlights his fragility:

• Games Played: In his seven seasons, he has participated in only 56.4% of the team’s 1,032 regular season games.
• Injuries: He has missed games due to various injuries, including hamstring and oblique strains.
• Limited Long Seasons: Since joining the Yankees in 2018, he has only exceeded 115 games in a single season once.

Despite these setbacks, last year Stanton showcased his impressive skills in 77 games, achieving:

• Batting Average: .273
• On-base Percentage: .350
• Slugging Percentage: .594
• Home Runs: 24

“The key is to get in the box. My last year’s overall numbers were low. I want a full season,” Stanton emphasized.

Importance for the Team

Stanton’s full-season performance is pivotal for the Yankees, who are striving for their first championship since 2009. Known for his postseason prowess, Stanton will need to navigate the challenges of playing while managing pain.

Conclusion

As Stanton prepares for the new season, his focus on health and performance will be crucial. With a blend of power hitting and strategic participation, he holds the potential to be a game-changer for the Yankees.

For more insights on Stanton’s career and updates on the Yankees, visit MLB.com and stay tuned for his anticipated return!