Giancarlo Stanton Surprises Fans with ‘Can’t Open Chips Bag’ Remark
Giancarlo Stanton, the New York Yankees outfielder, is currently dealing with significant challenges at home and on the field. He has been open about struggles stemming from a dual tennis elbow condition, which impacts his daily activities and performance. Stanton stated, “I can’t open a bottle. I can’t open a bag of chips.” These daily hurdles point to the difficulties he faces while trying to maintain a rigorous playing schedule.
Stanton’s Injury Struggles
Throughout the past season, Stanton missed the first 70 games due to persistent elbow issues. After considering surgical options, both Stanton and the Yankees opted against surgery, believing it wouldn’t provide a definitive solution. As a precaution, the team has decided to ease him into spring training, postponing his participation in the first six games.
Projected Return to Play
Stanton is targeting a return to the Yankees lineup by March 3, when they are set to face the Panama team in the World Baseball Classic (WBC). This timeline would allow him about two weeks of game action to prepare for the regular season opening on March 25. Despite the limitations, Stanton is optimistic about his potential to play a full season.
Performance Statistics
- Career Postseason Homers: 18 (10th all time)
- Games Played in Seven Seasons: 56.4% of 1,032 regular season games
- Games Played Last Season: 77
- Batting Average Last Season: .273
- Home Runs Last Season: 24
- On-base Plus Slugging (OPS): .944
Over the past seven seasons, Stanton has faced several injuries, including hamstring, oblique, and ongoing elbow problems. He has only surpassed 115 games played once since joining the Yankees in 2018. Despite these challenges, he excelled in 2022, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level when healthy.
Anticipation for the Season
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has expressed confidence in Stanton’s ability to contribute significantly this season. Boone mentioned the importance of managing Stanton’s playing time to maximize his impact. “We have to stay disciplined because you’re so critical to us,” Boone noted.
For Stanton, maintaining health will be crucial as he aims to reclaim his form while navigating the ongoing pain. With his history in the postseason, his full-strength return would be invaluable for a Yankees team striving for its first championship since 2009.
