Yankees Slugger Giancarlo Stanton Likely to Miss Opening Day After Being Diagnosed With Calf Strain

Just when New York Yankees fans couldn't feel any worse after the news of Luis Severino needing Tommy John surgery, slugger Giancarlo Stanton shows up on the injury report.

Following Wednesday's Spring Training game against the Washington Nationals, manager Aaron Boone revealed that Stanton has been diagnosed with a grade 1 right calf strain, and will likely miss the start of the season.

So much for last season's medical staff being the cause of the massive injury bug.

The Bronx Bombers have already faced a rash of injuries at the start of spring training. Severino is done for the season already, Aaron Judge is dealing with a nagging shoulder injury, and James Paxton will miss a couple of months due to back surgery.

Stanton was ravaged by ailments last season, as he was diagnosed with a left biceps strain, shoulder injury, and knee injury, as well as a calf issue in the postseaso. As a result, he was limited to just 18 games on the season. In those contests, Stanton accumulated a .288 batting average, along with three home runs and 13 RBI.

Luckily for the Yankees, they can fill the void left by Stanton, likely more easily than any other projected absence. The likes of Brett Gardner, Clint Frazier, Mike Tauchman, and Miguel Andujar can man the outfield in his stead.