Yankees Already Hit by Injury Bug as Spring Training Games Set to Kickoff

Yankees’ Spring Training Off to a Painful Start as Injuries Pile Up

Aaron Boone opened spring training with confidence, assuring Yankees fans that the team was healthy and ready to begin its pursuit of another World Series run. Less than a week later, that optimism has crumbled.

The Yankees have yet to play a spring training game, but their injury list has already grown to six players—headlined by postseason star Giancarlo Stanton and promising young pitcher Chase Hampton.

Injury Woes Begin with Stanton, Expand to Pitching Staff

Stanton, who crushed seven home runs in the 2024 postseason, arrived at camp with sore elbows. His availability for Opening Day is now in question, dealing an early blow to a Yankees lineup built around power.

However, the more significant concern may be the pitching staff, where injuries are beginning to pile up.

.@Keith_McPherson says Giancarlo Stanton's injury provides another example of the Yankees not truly being all in: pic.twitter.com/xEvWTlCUWc

— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) February 19, 2025

Right-hander Chase Hampton, the Yankees’ second-ranked pitching prospect, has suffered a setback with his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Boone initially described it as a flexor strain but admitted there was “something going on” with Hampton’s UCL. After an injury-plagued 2024 season limited him to just seven starts across three minor league affiliates, this latest setback could cost him significant time—or worse, his entire season.

Meanwhile, Clarke Schmidt, who posted a breakout 2.85 ERA last season, is dealing with a “cranky” back. Boone downplayed the issue, insisting Schmidt is fine, but after his initial spring training assessment proved overly optimistic, Yankees fans aren’t taking his words at face value.

Fan Frustration Grows as More Players Join the Injury List

Among those doubting Boone’s assurances is Robert Casey, head writer for Bleeding Yankee Blue, who criticized the manager for failing to acknowledge the team’s injury concerns sooner.

“Boone had no idea what he was talking about,” Casey wrote. “Honestly, he might be the worst so-called ‘leader’ the Yankees have ever had, and that’s saying something—because let’s not forget, Stump Merrill had the 1990 Yankees running in quicksand.”

It’s not just Stanton, Hampton, and Schmidt. The Yankees’ bullpen and depth pieces are taking hits as well.

• Clayton Beeter, a once-promising Dodgers prospect acquired in the Joey Gallo trade, is dealing with a shoulder injury, putting his readiness for the season in doubt.
• Trent Grisham, a key depth piece in the outfield, arrived at camp with a hamstring issue.
• Jake Cousins, who shined in relief last season with a 2.37 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 38 innings, reported forearm discomfort. Fortunately, imaging showed no UCL damage, offering a rare bit of good news.
• Clarke Shmidt, Lingering Back Pain
• Chase Hampton, UCL Soreness
• Giancarlo Stanton, Tennis Elbow

Yankees injuries announced so far in camp:

Clarke Schmidt (cranky back)
Chase Hampton (flexor tendon, UCL)
Giancarlo Stanton (tennis elbows)
Trent Grisham (hamstring)
Clayton Beeter (shoulder)
Jake Cousins (elbow)

— Brendan Kuty 🧟‍♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) February 19, 2025

An Ominous Start in the Bronx

Casey described the Yankees’ spring training as a “horror movie,” and with the injury list growing before games even begin, it’s easy to see why.

A team built on star power and elite pitching is already seeing key pieces sidelined, and while none of these injuries have derailed the Yankees’ championship aspirations yet, the early setbacks are an unsettling reminder of how fragile a season can be.

For Boone and the Yankees, spring training was supposed to be about building momentum. Instead, it has become about survival.