The New York Yankees are gearing up for the 2025 season with a mix of anticipation and caution, especially concerning one of their star players. Fans are aware that the team’s power-packed lineup has often been hit with setbacks, and one player, in particular, has faced more than his share of injuries in recent seasons. The slugger, known for his towering home runs, has been battling ongoing discomfort, casting some uncertainty on his availability for the opening day showdown against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Though the Yankees have had their share of challenges, there’s a silver lining. Aaron Judge, the team’s captain and two-time AL MVP, has been keeping a close watch on his teammate’s recovery. Judge, ever the leader, made it clear to reporters that he’s in constant touch with the player in question, offering both moral support and advice.
The player who has been facing these struggles is none other than Giancarlo Stanton. Stanton, who has been plagued with injuries since his second year with the Yankees in 2019, started this year with some discomfort in both of his elbows. While this had fans worried about his status for the season opener, Judge remained optimistic, sharing that Stanton has a “positive mindset” despite the lingering issues.
“We’re giving him the time he needs,” Judge said, emphasizing the importance of taking the right steps for a full recovery. He also acknowledged that while Stanton might miss the opener, it’s better for the slugger to focus on long-term health rather than pushing too hard early in the season and risking further injury.
Stanton, who had not swung a bat for nearly a month due to his condition, showed his resilience in the past. Despite injuries limiting him to 114 games in 2024, he more than made up for it during the postseason, hitting seven home runs and earning the ALCS MVP. That impressive stretch reminded Yankees fans why the team traded for him back in 2017.
“Take your time, do what you need to do, and be ready for the long haul,” Judge continued. The Yankees are hopeful that, once fully recovered, Stanton can return to his explosive form and make a strong impact as the season progresses.
