New York Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton, left, and DJ LeMahieu. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Yankees announce roster moves after pair of big injuries

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Mar 2, 2025 4:18 PM ET

An already extensive New York Yankees injury report got even worse Saturday.

The Yankees confirmed designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton will begin the season on the injured list as he battles tennis elbow in both arms. Stanton, the reigning ALCS MVP, is receiving platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in his elbows.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he expects Stanton to return from a personal issue next week. It is unclear when Stanton would begin a rehab assignment.

“The biggest thing is getting him right, and if that costs us a little bit on the front end, so be it,” Boone said.

“I do feel like we’ll get to a good spot with this,” Boone added, according to the Yankees’ official website. “It’s a long year.”

But wait, there’s more!

Yankees utility infielder and three-time All-Star DJ LeMahieu hurt a calf muscle in Saturday’s win over the Houston Astros. Manager Aaron Boone called the injury “a little concerning.”

With two former All-Stars down for the count, the Yankees subsequently announced a roster update Saturday afternoon.

Alas, fans were likely disappointed to hear it didn’t involve a trade or free-agent signing. Instead, the Yankees reassigned catcher Omar Martínez and pitcher Leonardo Pestana to minor league camp.

Martínez, a 23-year-old catcher from Venezuela, went 1-for-5 this spring. He replaced LeMahieu in the lineup Saturday afternoon and had a single in two at-bats.

Pestana, who spent most of last season at Double-A, allowed a run in his lone inning Saturday.

At this point, the Yankees should have Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and the rest of the Core Four on standby. In fact, half the 2024 Old Timers’ Day roster might crack the lineup by Memorial Day if the injuries keep piling up.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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