All’s not well in the Bronx right now! Firstly, the Yankees are battling it out with a series of injuries, and now their outfielder’s injury has sparked some shocking claims. Stanton faced an injury in the elbow as he struggled with major tendon issues, getting sidelined ultimately. His absence casts a shadow on his career and raises deep concerns regarding his ability to contribute to the field. So what’s the fuss all about?

Ever since the absence of the Yankees’ key slugger, the offensive production of the team and players’ morale have taken a major hit. The most important reason is that his power at the plate has been influential in game planning. But now suddenly, his injury is making a lot of noise as it has given rise to some unconventional injury theory. That’s quite surprising, isn’t it?

Definitely! As per the New York Post, Giancarlo Stanton’s elbow injury is mainly caused by the bat switch in the last season. Now on March 21, the Fireside Yankees made a post on X highlights that the bat switch was recommended to Stanton; however, the one who recommended it has been no longer present around the Yankees. It has suddenly given rise to a lot of speculation. But the main problem is Stanton has been sidelined due to this, although he feels a bit better now after getting three rounds of PRP injections.

Despite the fact that it still raises a lot of eyebrows, the doctors treating him believe it is completely untrue. However, Giancarlo Stanton’s injury is a big blow for the Yankees, given that his absence not only created a major gap in the lineup but also intensified the need for someone effective to step up. Stanton had a good 2024 season, where he batted at an average of.233, scoring 27 home runs, 72 RBIs, and.773 OPS. Now, with his absence, they have been looking for someone who can serve the role of a designated hitter.

So, who can fulfill their purpose?

The Yankees look to fill the power void in their lineup

The New York Yankees’ power hitter Giancarlo Stanton will likely miss the entire season. Given his absence has left a major gap in their lineup, a young prospect who is a lefty slugger, has shown some improvements, making him likely to fill the gap in their roster: Ben Rice. Not only has Rice been a combination of power and contact, but he also has the potential to take up additional responsibilities, with a moderate 2024 regular season, batting at an average of .171, .264 OBP, .613 OPS, and scoring seven home runs. But that’s not all!

Ben Rice has shown some impressive performance in 2025 spring training, scoring five home runs at a.260 average, 339 OBP, and 899 OPS. Rice, being one of the best hitters, is an easy decision to make for the Yankees to get him in their lineup. With Stanton sidelined, Rice has the opportunity to become the best-designated hitter, at least for a temporary period.

Additionally, the Yankees could also look at other internal options in their lineup, including young players like Austin Wells, Jasson Dominguez, and Anthony Volpe, to give much-needed depth to their lineup. Do you think Ben Rice’s replacement can work for the New York Yankees? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.