Concern is mounting for a significant piece of the New York Yankees lineup this spring training.
The Yankees have been dealing with a litany of injuries, with many of them coming from the pitching staff. Top prospect Chase Hampton will miss the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery, while Clarke Schmidt (stiff back), Jake Cousins (right forearm strain), Clayton Beeter (right shoulder discomfort), and Jonathan Loaisiga (internal brace surgery recovery) have missed time.
However, the biggest issue they’re dealing with this spring involves a five-time All-Star.
Giancarlo Stanton leaves New York Yankees camp due to ‘personal’ reason
Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters, including New York Post’s Greg Joyce, he’s “not sure” when 35-year-old designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton will return to camp after leaving for a “personal” reason on Monday.
Stanton remains in New York.
This comes as the slugger is dealing with tennis elbow in both arms, leaving him unable to swing a bat. He’s not expected to be ready by Opening Day.
Boone did state that the “personal” reason has nothing to do with his injury.
If Stanton is out for a while, players like J.D. Martinez and Anthony Rizzo, whom the Yankees let go after not picking up his option, remain on the market. The Yankees also have prospect Spencer Jones they could slot in if they believe he is ready.
Stanton is coming off a 27-home-run season with a .773 OPS and 115 OPS+. Over 15 seasons, he’s the active leader in home runs with 429 and has an .871 OPS and 136 OPS+.
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