It’s been a week since Giancarlo Stanton took an 88 mph Mike Fiers fastball to the jaw. The National League MVP candidate spoke out for the first time since his accident Thursday night.
“The swelling is way down,” says Stanton. “Much better than I envisioned. Just got to get the grill fixed and go from there.”
A six to eight week time lapse is expected for full recovery which will include many more dental appointments and an additional CT scan to clear the right fielder to come back to baseball. Stanton hoped to make a comeback before the end of the regular season, but he wasn’t medically cleared.
“I know you see the initial bang and think there is no way he could come back. But if physically if it was possible, I would have been the first to do so.”
Stanton was diagnosed with several facial fractures, including one to his orbital bone that thankfully didn’t impair his vision.
“I was really fortunate,” he said. “I could have my mouth wired shut now. I could have a plate in my face. I could have a lot of things. I’ll take a few missing teeth over all of that.” Stanton continued, “You hear about people losing their eye, or you lose vision. My jaw can be broken. I can lose as many teeth. As long as I’m able to see, that’s the big career thing.”
Stanton: before and after
The 24-year-old released a rather bloody before and after photo on his Instagram, thanking fans for their support and assuring them of a speedy recovery.
Stanton also reported that he has spoken to Fiers since the incident.
“He said, obviously, it wasn’t on purpose,” Stanton said. “He said how sorry he was. It’s been tough to sleep the first few nights and stuff. It was a good message.”
To show support, the Marlin’s have hung Stanton’s No. 27 jersey in their dugout in his absence. Atlanta Braves outfielder Jason Heyward, who now wears a protective guard on his helmet after being hit by a pitch, advised Stanton on what foods he should be eating during recovery and gave him words of encouragement.
Stanton wanted to play all 162 games of the regular season. Instead, he finished 2014 early with 37 HR’s, 105 RBI, .555 SLG, .288 BA and trip to the All-Star game. He remains the front running candidate for the National League MVP award which has never been won by a Marlin.