New York Yankees fans are forgiven if they feel Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton don’t often mash home runs together. Stanton’s frequently battled injuries since 2019, his second season with the Yankees. Although he’s hit 82 home runs the last three years, he’s also spent plenty of time on the injured list. Stanton began this year in similar fashion, reporting to camp battling discomfort in both elbows. He’s currently questionable for the Yankees’ March 27 opener against the Milwaukee Brewers.

“Take your rest, take your time,” Judge said Monday. Judge told reporters Monday he’s kept in touch with Stanton, who returned to New York for undisclosed personal reasons. The two-time AL MVP said Stanton has a “positive mindset” despite the lingering elbow problems. The Yankees’ captain also implied Stanton could miss more than just Opening Day. “Do whatever you need to do now and be ready to go,” Judge said, according to the Yankees’ official website.

“If it’s the early part of the season, I’d rather have that than battle through something all the way until August and the end of the season,” Judge continued. Stanton told reporters last week he hadn’t swung a bat in nearly a month.

ANOTHER ONE! GIANCARLO STANTON GIVES THE YANKEES THE LEAD RIGHT AFTER JUDGE’S HOMER @MLBpic.twitter.com/zS7lRlzd0Xhttps://t.co/mfCACoYXkH — The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 17, 2024 Although a hamstring injury limited Stanton to 114 games, he more than made up for it in the postseason. Stanton smashed seven playoff home runs, earning ALCS MVP and leading the Yankees to their first pennant since 2009. Stanton’s month-long, homer-filled stretch reminded Yankees fans of why the club acquired him in 2017. Although he’s a 35-year-old slugger limited to DHing duties, he still crushes pitches far into the second deck. “I want a healthy G in the middle of the season,” Judge said.