In a setback for the New York Yankees, star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain. Stanton revealed that he expects to be sidelined for approximately four weeks, glumly acknowledging the need to focus on his recovery.

Despite a dedicated offseason spent improving his fitness and shedding weight to keep his lower body fresh, Stanton's efforts could not prevent his latest injury. Prior to the setback, the 34-year-old had shown promising early-season form, batting .246 with 18 home runs and a 120 OPS-plus in 69 games.

The injury occurred when Stanton winced while rounding third base to score from second on teammate Gleyber Torres' double during the Yankees' clash against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday. Subsequently, an MRI scan confirmed the severity of the hamstring strain, requiring treatment to aid healing.

Manager Aaron Boone expressed his sympathy for Stanton, acknowledging the outfielder's past struggles with lower-body injuries, though he maintained optimism that this current setback would not be a significant hindrance to Stanton's overall strong season.

Stanton received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection during Sunday's game, initiating a 48-hour period of rest before commencing targeted exercises to expedite his recovery. Last season, the slugger missed six weeks due to a similar hamstring strain, and his performance upon return was noticeably diminished. Additionally, Stanton experienced an over one-month absence in 2020 due to the same injury.

The Yankees' lineup has taken a hit with the concurrent injuries to Stanton and first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who suffered an arm fracture. Boone acknowledged the impact of losing Stanton, emphasizing his presence as a formidable force in the middle of the lineup, consistently delivering key hits and displaying power at the plate.

With Stanton's absence, the Yankees will rely on a combination of players to fill the void. In a recent acquisition, J.D. Davis has joined the team from the Oakland Athletics, providing support in designated hitter duties. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto will also rotate into the DH role occasionally, although Boone noted Soto's preference for playing in the field. As a result, outfielder Trent Grisham will see more starts in center field.

Boone expressed confidence in Grisham's ability to step up and contribute significantly, considering him a valuable asset capable of helping the team secure victories. The Yankees had initially intended to call up Jasson Dominguez from Triple-A as a replacement for Stanton, but Dominguez's significant oblique strain, with an expected two-month recovery period, prevented his promotion.

The Yankee organization remains hopeful for Stanton's swift return to the lineup. In the meantime, they rely on the depth of their roster to compensate for the loss of the power-hitting outfielder. As Stanton embarks on his rehabilitation journey, the Yankees look to weather this temporary setback and maintain their strong position in the season.