Boone: Giancarlo Stanton to be shut down ‘for a bit’ with lat strain

The hits just keep on coming for the New York Yankees. Slugger Giancarlo Stanton suffered a Grade 1 strain in his right calf and will be shut down. Manager Aaron Boone told the media Stanton will “be down for a bit, and may not be built back up in time for Opening Day,” according to beat writer Lindsey Adler.

This news follows Tuesday’s report that Luis Severino will require Tommy John surgery for his arm injury. The Yankees were already without starter James Paxton who is sidelined through April with a back injury, and Aaron Judge who is working his way back from shoulder soreness. Mike Tauchman and Miguel Andújar figure to benefit the most between the outfield and designated hitter spots.

The Yankees have the second best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook to win the World Series, and are heavy favorites to win the AL East. However, the growing number of injuries are increasing the degree of difficulty for the Bronx Bombers. It’s better these injuries are happening now than midway through the season, but Aaron Boone’s squad has its work cut out for it early in the season.