Well another day, another Yankee injury report. With the news of Severino yesterday still taking the air out of camp, it was reported today that Giancarlo Stanton has a Grade 1 strain on his right calf. Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated that, “he’ll be down for a bit.” The best case scenario is that Stanton is only out for two weeks, although he would most likely miss Opening day, he would only just be a couple weeks behind everyone else. This doesn’t look good for the 30-year-old outfielder who still has eight-years and $244 million remaining on 13-year $325 million contract. Stanton actually led the Yankees with 38 home runs in his first season with the Yankees in 2018 but since being traded, he has only played in 176 out of a possible 324 regular season games after being limited to just 18 regular season games in 2019.
Just one blow after the other, but like all things I try and look at the positives of any outcome. I was really looking forward to a healthy presence of Judge and Stanton in that lineup for a full season. I truly believe they have the potential to have a home run race between the two, much like Mantle and Maris back in the summer of 1961. Hell, even throw Pete Alonso in that race, not only would that be amazing for baseball, but the buzz around NY baseball with those three superstars trying to oust each other for most home runs in the MLB would be fantastic That’s one scenario I can see playing out. Another is we never see a fully healthy Stanton, reminding every Yankee fan of the Ellsbury fiasco. I really hope it’s the first one, but only time will tell. If all goes right Staton, he only misses the first two weeks of the season and thats it. It may also be time to start looking at making him a full time DH, being extra cautious that he doesn’t hurt anything else playing defense in the outfield.
I know it’s hard to get excited after these recent injury reports but if there’s one thing that this Yankee team has, is depth around the field. This may very well be the year that Clint Frazier finally makes it over that hump to become an every day starter for the Yankees. His bat was never the question, as he continues to swing the bat very well early in spring training. His ability to start will all lie within his defense. Another highlight of the Yankees offense has been Miguel Andújar, who seems to have picked up right where he left off in 2018 as he continues to mash doubles. He made his first start in left field today and wouldn’t you guess, the first ball hit was a pop up between short and left where Andújar called off Gleyber to make the catch. The sound of the bat for both Frazier and Andújar is straight up baseball porn. Also, let us not forget how well Mike Tauchman played last year at well, not only on the defensive side but adding a great left handed bat in the lineup. This Stanton injury definitely sucks, but for those three guys this opens up a brand new opportunity. As we continue to get updates of Stanton over the next couple of weeks, I’m looking forward to seeing those guys show us that they belong on the Opening Day roster. But once again another part of the Yankees Death Star, that looks so good on paper (when healthy), will be missing. Until then, let us pray.
The Washed Up Athlete 