Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton Faces Uncertainty for Opening Day Due to Elbow Pain

New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton is facing significant elbow pain and has not swung a bat in three to four weeks, raising doubts about his readiness for Opening Day. Stanton, who has experienced this injury for much of the past season, described his condition as 'tennis elbow,' with 'very high' pain levels that require careful management. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Stanton's situation, indicating that an opportunity could arise for other players like Dominic Smith if Stanton cannot start the season. Stanton's history of injuries has limited his playing time significantly, and with the recent departure of Juan Soto, the Yankees are under pressure to bolster their lineup. Despite the pain and uncertainty, Stanton is not currently considering surgery but emphasizes the importance of managing his condition wisely. As the team prepares for the season, they are exploring options to fill the potential gap left by Stanton's absence.