After missing pretty much the entire season last year, Giancarlo Stanton feels ready for the upcoming season with the New York Yankees. He’s been doing things differently this offseason to keep his body healthy and has high expectations for himself and the team this year.
“I had a full offseason. I did everything I needed to do,” Stanton said. “I had a lot of different training. I didn’t have much time off. I got my rest, but I had to rehab the moment the season was over, and then by the time I was done rehabbing I had my normal offseason training.”
Because of Stanton’s history of injuries, manager Aaron Boone has said that they are going to be careful with his use at the beginning of the season. Boone indicated that Stanton might find himself as a DH than in left field to save some wear and tear on his body.
“Whatever works best for the team,” Stanton said about his role with the team. “You can’t really pick your days now. It’s kind of like we did my first season here. It’s just like, ‘Here’s a plan for the next three days, what do you think? How can we make it better?”
Last season with the New York Yankees, Stanton was limited to just 18 games due to the several injuries he endured throughout the season. The year before in 2018, Stanton played in 158 games and slashed .266/.343/.509 with 38 home runs and 100 runs batted in.
“I think he looks great,” Boone said. “I thought he had a really nice first day. He looks like he is in a good spot physically as we build him up here. I am looking forward to seeing what Giancarlo is going to do.”