A highly anticipated season in the Bronx is not starting as planned.
The Yankees on Monday put Giancarlo Stanton on the 10-day injured list with a left biceps strain, adding potential long-term concerns on top of the short-term angst of dropping consecutive games to the Orioles over the weekend.
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Clint Frazier has been recalled from Triple-A to take Stanton's roster spot.
Prior to tonight's game, the @Yankees placed OF Giancarlo Stanton on the 10-day injured list with a left biceps strain and recalled OF Clint Frazier (#77) from Triple-A @swbrailriders.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) April 1, 2019
There had been no indications prior to the announcement that Stanton was suffering from any physical ailments. He went to the plate 15 times in the season-opening three-game series against the Orioles, collecting two hits and an MLB-leading seven walks in the process.
Stanton told reporters Monday afternoon he hurt himself swinging at a 3-1 pitch during his third at-bat in Sunday's game, but thought it might be a cramp so he didn't come out of the game.
Giancarlo Stanton says his bicep strain isn't something he can play through like he did the left hamstring last year because it will affect the quickness of his swing.
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) April 1, 2019
Putting him on the injured list ensures Stanton will miss more time this season than he has in the previous two years combined. He played in 158 games last season and 159 in 2017 when he won NL MVP honors with the Marlins.
Frazier, 24, has played in 54 games for New York over the last two seasons, slashing .238/.295/.429 with four home runs. His playing time was limited in 2018 after he suffered a concussion during spring training and struggled to recover.
Frazier was 7 for 49 w/ 0 HR, 8 RBI, 16K in spring training as he came back from concussion in 2018. But he told me toward the end of ST that he was comfortable with his swing and was waiting for his chance. Now Frazier has that chance.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) April 1, 2019
New York's outfield depth already was stretched thin as Aaron Hicks continues to recover from a back strain that sidelined him during spring training and forced him to open the season on the 10-day IL.
The Yankees open a three-game home series against the Tigers on Monday.
