How Yankees plan to handle Giancarlo Stanton's 2026 playing time, even though he 'can't open a bag of chips'
CBS Sports
by
Matt Snyder
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton faces significant challenges due to recurring elbow injuries, which have limited his ability to perform even everyday tasks like opening a bag of chips. Despite these physical limitations, Stanton remains determined to stay active in the lineup during the 2026 season. The Yankees plan to manage his playing time carefully, ensuring he gets regular at-bats while also incorporating rest days to prevent further injury. This approach aims to balance his productivity with long-term health.
Stanton has been open about his injuries, acknowledging that they will be a lifelong issue. He explained that he experiences good and bad days physically, which affects his ability to perform routine tasks but doesn’t deter him from continuing his career. Last season, Stanton played in only 77 games but still managed impressive statistics, hitting .273 with 24 home runs and 66 RBIs. His performance has been consistent over the past five seasons, averaging 28.2 home runs per year despite playing just 108 games on average.
The Yankees’ strategy to limit Stanton’s appearances in the lineup while keeping him productive is a departure from previous years when they sometimes pushed him beyond his limits. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the importance of staying disciplined with Stanton’s rest and playing time, recognizing his critical role in the team’s success. This season, the Yankees hope Stanton will play more than 108 games, potentially targeting a total of 135 appearances.
Stanton’s presence on the field significantly impacts the Yankees’ lineup, which already features other power hitters like Aaron Judge, Ben Rice, and Cody Bellinger. If he achieves his goal of playing around 135 games, he could hit as many as 40 home runs this season, further solidifying the team’s reputation as one of the most formidable lineups in the league.
For baseball fans, Stanton’s journey is not just
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/26/2026