The New York Yankees have had to deal with a series of painful injuries throughout the current preseason, including two of their most important players on the roster, pitcher Gerrit Cole and slugger Giancarlo Stanton.
Both have had elbow problems, although the difference is that while Cole will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the entire season, Stanton has the chance to play during the following campaign a few weeks after it officially begins.
Although the official return date remains uncertain, there is some optimism within the Yankees that Stanton could be back in action by Memorial Day, May 26.
Stanton’s injury problems
Stanton, who was the American League Championship Series MVP last season, has been dealing with injuries to both elbows, as well as a lingering calf issue.
Throughout the recovery process, Stanton has received multiple platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, in the hope of reducing inflammation and speeding up healing.
However, the effectiveness of these treatments is still unclear, and Stanton has admitted that he still feels pain when trying to hit.
“I don’t know when I’ll be able to play again or even hit,” Stanton said, emphasizing the severity of his injuries, but at the same time he has expressed hope that surgery will not be necessary, but it has also not stopped being a possibility if his condition does not improve.
Options to replace Stanton with the Yankees
The Bronx Bombers have explored temporary replacements as designated hitter, for example, Everson Pereira seemed a strong candidate to take over the role, especially given his solid performance in spring training, with seven hits in 20 at-bats and a home run.
However, the team made a surprising decision to send him to Triple-A, which surprised many.
Instead, the Yankees will likely use a rotation system for the designated hitter spot, with Ben Rice, J.C. Escarra and Dom Smith waiting for at-bats against right-handed pitchers.
Against left-handers, the team could turn to Oswaldo Cabrera or other right-handed hitters already on the roster.
Stanton’s absence is just one of several injuries the Yankees have suffered.
Despite the setbacks, manager Aaron Boone remains hopeful that Stanton’s recovery will progress in the coming weeks.
“We hope these treatments will speed up the process,” Boone said, although he could not say when Stanton will resume his activities.
For now, the Yankees will have to adjust, relying on team depth and creative solutions for their lineup, and if Stanton can return by the end of May, it would give a much-needed boost to a team that remains determined to pursue the championship.
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