Spring training is a time for optimism, a fresh start to the baseball season where teams shake off the rust and prepare for the long grind ahead. Unfortunately for the New York Yankees, it has also become a time to take stock of a growing injured list. In recent years, the Yankees have been plagued by early-season injuries, and 2025 is proving to be no exception.
The Yankees enter this season with one goal in mind: a return to the World Series. After years of falling short, the Bronx Bombers are determined to break through and capture their 28th championship, culminating in a long-awaited parade down Fifth Avenue. However, as has often been the case, their journey is already being complicated by a rash of injuries.
As of early March, the Yankees find themselves navigating a laundry list of injuries, ranging from minor tweaks to long-term setbacks. Here’s a look at the current state of the Yankees’ injury woes as camp progresses.
Position Players on the Shelf
DJ LeMahieu (INF) – Left Calf Muscle
LeMahieu “tweaked” his calf during an at-bat on March 1 and is scheduled for an MRI on March 4. While the severity remains unknown, lower-body injuries have a way of lingering, which could impact his readiness for Opening Day.
Giancarlo Stanton (DH) – Elbow Pain
Stanton, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, is dealing with pain in both elbows. He has not swung a bat since mid-January and received PRP injections. He is expected to begin the season on the injured list, with hopes of returning in April.
Pitching Staff Takes a Hit
Clayton Beeter (RHP) – Right Shoulder Discomfort
Beeter continues to throw in side sessions, but there’s no timetable for his return to game action. The Yankees are proceeding cautiously to ensure the issue doesn’t escalate.
Jonathan Loáisiga (RHP) – Recovery from UCL Surgery
Loáisiga underwent internal brace surgery on April 12, 2024, and has been throwing off the mound as of March 4. His expected return is late April or early May.
Luis Gil (RHP) – Right Lat Strain
Gil was unable to complete a bullpen session on Feb. 28 and underwent an MRI on March 1, revealing a lat strain. He will be shut down for at least six weeks, making a return before June unlikely.
Jake Cousins (RHP) – Right Forearm Strain
Cousins resumed his throwing program on March 3 and is targeting an April return, though setbacks with forearm issues are always a concern.
Clarke Schmidt (RHP) – Stiff Back
Schmidt faced hitters on March 1 and is expected to do so again on March 6. He should be able to return to spring game action soon, barring any setbacks.
JT Brubaker (RHP) – Fractured Ribs
Brubaker sustained three fractured ribs after being struck by a comebacker in his spring debut on Feb. 21. His return timeline remains uncertain.
Scott Effross (RHP) – Left Hamstring Strain
Effross suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain on Feb. 25 and was scheduled to receive a PRP injection on Feb. 27. Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the recovery process “is going to take some time.”
Chase Hampton (RHP) – Tommy John Surgery
Hampton is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is eyeing a return in May or June 2026.
A Test of Resilience for the Yankees
Injuries are part of the game, but the Yankees’ consistent struggles with keeping players healthy—particularly key contributors—have become a troubling pattern. Just last season, injuries played a role in preventing them from reaching their full potential, and with the 2025 campaign yet to begin, concerns are already mounting.
While some of these injuries may clear up before Opening Day, others could stretch well into the regular season, forcing the Yankees to tap into their depth early. For a team with championship aspirations, staying healthy will be just as important as anything they accomplish on the field. If the Yankees hope to hoist the Commissioner’s Trophy down the Canyon of Heroes in October, navigating these challenges and getting key players healthy at the right time is going to be crucial.
