Yankees Star Stanton Battles Tennis Elbow So Severe He Can’t Open Chip Bags

New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with tennis elbow in both arms that's so painful he can't open bottles or snack bags. The 36-year-old designated hitter is preparing for his third season managing the condition while trying to return to regular play.

New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton may be preparing to take powerful swings at the plate, but he’s struggling with something much simpler in his daily life – opening a bag of snacks.

The 36-year-old designated hitter is now in his third consecutive season battling epicondylitis, better known as tennis elbow, affecting both of his arms. The condition has been so debilitating that Stanton has not yet participated in any spring training games and faces challenges with basic tasks at home.

Speaking to NJ.com about his ongoing struggles, Stanton revealed the extent of his limitations. “I can’t open a bottle,” he explained. “I can’t open a bag of chips … a bag of anything. That’s the way it is.”

Despite the persistent pain, Stanton managed to contribute 24 home runs across 77 games during the previous season for New York, though his campaign didn’t begin until June due to his condition.

Since joining the Yankees in 2018, Stanton has struggled with availability, recording more than 420 plate appearances just once – achieving 510 in 2021 – throughout his tenure with the team.

While his return to full-time play remains uncertain, Stanton is slated to participate in Tuesday’s exhibition matchup between the Yankees and Team Panama, serving as preparation for the World Baseball Classic. With Opening Day scheduled for March 25 against San Francisco, the veteran expects to be ready for regular duty after accumulating two weeks of steady batting practice.

“Just get me in the box. The key is get in the box,” Stanton emphasized regarding his approach to returning to action.