In seven weeks, the pitchers and catchers will report to the New York Yankees’ training camp in Tampa, Florida, for spring training. However, with spring training right on the horizon, the Yankees have a lot of questions with respect to four such players on how they will move on from the 2023 season setback to leave a profound impact in 2024. Let’s explore those players’ scenarios one by one and also understand what skipper Aaron Boone had to say about them.
Will Giancarlo Stanton Go Lean In 2023?
Earlier this off-season, Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed that 6-foot-6 tall Giancarlo Stanton will go leaner in 2024. Apparently, the sturdy slugger intends to shed weight to stay immune to injuries. Stanton has had trouble staying healthy since he arrived in the Bronx for the first time. Not once in his storied career did he feature in all 162 games. Having said that, while Boone believes Stanton is in great shape, he is at that stage of his career where going lighter is in his best interest. Surely, the slugger has intense pressure to rise from a career-worst season in 2023, wherein he logged a bizarre batting average of .191. But is shedding weight the only thing to improve this season? Perhaps not.
Jason Dominguez’s Return Timeline
Top prospect Jasson Dominguez dazzled MLB with his dream debut in the pinstripes. He broke multiple franchise records with just eight games into the big leagues. However, tragedy struck the young boy as he tore UCL off his elbow in September. He underwent Tommy John surgery for the same and has been in rehab ever since. Having said that, Aaron Boone recently shared his injury update and confirmed that Dominguez will take part in spring training, wherein he expects him to bat like a regular player. But then again, Boon refused to share a timeline, which left the fans confused. Regardless, Yankees fans’ mustn’t expect Jasson to return any earlier than July 2024. That’s what it takes for a position player to recover from Tommy John surgery.
Will Carlos Rodon Bounce Back?
Besides Giancarlo Stanton, Carlos Rodon remained the New York Yankees’ biggest disappointment of the 2023 MLB season. He bagged a handsome contract of $162 million earlier this year and was expected to be the team’s best pitcher after Gerrit Cole. Instead, Rodon slumped to record his career-worst season. His ERA soared above 6 as the pitcher struggled to stay healthy. Thus, just like Stanton, Rodon’s priority is also to stay healthy this winter. Moreover, if Aaron Boone is to be believed, Rodon has carefully planned his training and workout regime to come out stronger in spring. “When he gets into spring training, he’s coming in with a great foundation,” said Boone about Carlos Rodon.
How Is Anthony Rizzo’s Concussion?
In a bizarre turn of events, the New York Yankees shut down Anthony Rizzo mid-season, citing concussion nearly two months after the collision with Tatis Jr. occurred. Apparently, Rizzo’s symptoms worsened over time, and upon complaint, the Yankee medical staff ran tests. Having said that, Aaron Boone revealed that Rizzo remains in good shape and has almost recovered from the post-concussion syndrome. He expects the first baseman to have a normal winter and spring training.
