TAMPA — Last year, Giancarlo Stanton struggled with painful elbow tendinitis that pushed his season start to mid-June. This year, he admits that the issue is still present but much more manageable. The 36-year-old Yankee is ready to take an active role in spring training.
Staying healthy throughout the season is now his biggest challenge. “I have to keep maintaining,” he said after a recent workout. “But the elbows didn’t slow me down in the offseason, which is key.” Both Stanton and manager Aaron Boone noticed that he has been moving well early in camp, with Boone even describing him as looking “real lean.”
Boone plans to ease Stanton into Grapefruit League games, potentially waiting a week to have him play. This cautious approach aims to keep Stanton healthy throughout the long season. “We’ve got to give him regular days off,” Boone added, echoing last year’s strategy.
Stanton recognizes the importance of adjusting his play. “It’s about finding the best routine to keep me on the field,” he said. Boone also wants Stanton to play some outfield during spring training to maintain his versatility, even if they hope to limit that during the season. “Moving around seems to help him,” Boone noted.
Last year was promising for Stanton; he hit .273 with 24 home runs in just 77 games. If he can stay off the injured list, there’s hope that he could have a full, productive season. Recent data shows that players who manage their health well can see a substantial boost in performance; 40% of athletes reported improved outcomes with good health management practices, according to a study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
This season, the Yankees rely on Stanton’s right-handed power, especially with a lineup leaning towards lefty bats. As Stanton approaches the final two years of his contract, winning a championship is on his mind. “Being a Yankee is about becoming a champion,” he said. “Not having one yet still stings.”
As Stanton moves forward, fans and followers are monitoring his progress closely, and social media is abuzz with optimism for his comeback. Whether he can push through the challenges and contribute significantly will be a story to watch this season.
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