The Yankees had one major question mark in their lineup when spring training began. Now they have two.
With third base already a concern when camp opened, Giancarlo Stanton reported with tennis elbows after managing the injuries for most of last season. The reveal put the designated hitter’s availability for Opening Day in jeopardy right away, and a recent departure from Tampa – Stanton has been dealing with a personal matter in New York — only brought more uncertainty to the slugger’s status.
Until Saturday, that is, as the Yankees announced that Stanton will officially begin the season on the injured list. They added that he received PRP injections in both elbows while in New York last week.
While Stanton is expected back in Tampa this week, it will be a bit before he’s written into the Yankees’ lineup. His absence means the Bombers will have some flexibility with the DH spot, though they’d certainly prefer to have Stanton’s powerful right-handed swing in a lineup that got a little more left-handed over the winter.
Look for Aaron Boone to get Aaron Judge his fair share of DH days while Stanton is out. Doing so would create more opportunities for backup outfielder Trent Grisham, as he can play center while Cody Bellinger slides over to right.
Paul Goldschmidt, age 37 and accustomed to playing 150-something games per year, would be another logical choice for some DH days. Giving the first baseman a break from the field could lead to more at-bats for Ben Rice, a natural catcher who learned first last year and has enjoyed a hard-hitting spring.
The Yankees could always bring in an external DH — J.D. Martinez is still a free agent — but the club hasn’t appeared willing to spend money on its other, older problem: third base.
After an offseason of rumors connecting them to every available infielder under the sun, the Yankees chose to enter camp with DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza competing for the hot corner.
That group sustained a hit on Saturday, as LeMahieu couldn’t make it through his spring debut without suffering a left calf injury after two at-bats. LeMahieu has been hindered by numerous injuries over the last several years, has shown steady decline over that period and is coming off the worst season of his career. The two-time batting champ is also owed $30 million over the next two seasons.
On Sunday, LeMahieu said that his injury isn’t major, but he added that he probably won’t be able to return for a bit, per The Bergen Record’s Pete Caldera.
This morning at Yankees camp, DJ LeMahieu (left calf) said condition is “not anything major but it’s probably going to be a little bit” before he’s able to return.
— Pete Caldera (@pcaldera) March 2, 2025
That leaves Cabrera and Peraza as the Yankees’ primary candidates at third. Jorbit Vivas has also been mentioned as an option, but he’s yet to play in a spring game due to shoulder soreness and was already considered a longshot for the job.
Cabrera has the edge when it comes to experience, and he’s had some success in the majors over the last three years. However, he’s most valuable when he’s moving all over the diamond — Cabrera has done everything except catch — and Boone may not want to lock him into one position.
Peraza, on the other hand, has yet to show that he can hit major league pitching. The natural shortstop is as sure-handed as they come, though, and he’s impressed so far in camp. Peraza is also out of options and would be exposed to waivers if he doesn’t make the Yankees’ Opening Day roster.
Again, the Yankees could seek an external upgrade – Nolan Arenado reignited rumors when stopped by Steinbrenner Field last week — but the team’s incumbent choices are down to two if LeMahieu isn’t ready for the start of the season.
