Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton to Start Season on IL After Injections for Elbow Injuries

The New York Yankees announced that slugger Giancarlo Stanton will begin the 2025 season on the injured list due to elbow issues, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

Stanton left spring training to return to New York and received platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in both elbows.

The 35-year-old previously revealed that he was dealing with a “very high” level of pain in his elbows, via Hoch.

YES Network's Meredith Marakovits reported on Saturday that Stanton's return timeline is "still not known."

The former National League MVP has been a consistent power bat in New York's lineup when healthy, recording at least 24 home runs in each of the past four years.

Stanton has also repeatedly stepped up in the postseason, hitting 18 home runs in 41 postseason games with the Yankees to go along with a .265/.331/.662 slash line. He was named the 2024 American League Championship Series MVP.

Availability has been an issue for Stanton throughout his tenure with New York, failing to appear in at least 115 games in every season since 2021. He also dealt with the same elbow issues that are currently affecting him throughout his 2024 campaign, per Hoch.

With Stanton out for the start of the regular season, the Yankees will need to find a designated hitter to fill in for him. Superstar Aaron Judge could see some time at the position, while 26-year-old Ben Rice may fill in until Stanton is able to return.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post revealed on Thursday that New York reached out to six-time All-Star J.D. Martinez as well. The veteran recorded 16 home runs with the New York Mets in 2024.

As the Yankees attempt to return to the postseason and defend their AL pennant, they'll have to survive without Stanton for the beginning of the regular season.