MLB Report: Giancarlo Stanton almost ready to rejoin Yankees after long injury layoff

The New York Yankees could have a big chunk of their lineup restored soon. Star slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who has been out at the beginning of the year with issues in both elbows, is nearing a return. The 35-year-old has been dealing with tendinitis in both elbows for months now, but now it appears he's nearly ready to step up. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman provided an update this week. He told fans that Stanton has been hitting and running regularly, and a rehab assignment is possible very shortly.On MLB Network Radio, Cashman described that Stanton has been doing nearly everything a healthy player would be doing. He's running the bases, hitting batting practice, and receiving live at-bats with the Yankees' special BP equipment."Stanton's done everything," Cashman said. "He's sort of finished his base running now. He's been hitting for a long time with that great BP machine we have, so he's been getting live at-bats."Cashman also indicated that Stanton will keep getting live batting practice in the next two weeks. Then he might start his official rehab assignment, which would be the last step before returning to the Yankees.Also Read: Yankees GM Brian Cashman Crowns Paul Skenes As 'Best Starter' Ahead Of Spring TrainingThe Yankees have suffered from injury issues throughout the year, yet they were able to win despite this. Bringing back Stanton in the lineup would add power, and hopefully, he can return to the way he played last season. During last year’s season, the average of Giancarlo Stanyton was not high, his home runs and power contributed to the team.Some fans believe the Yankees can trade Stanton when he comes back, but the team will probably wait to see how he performs first. Stanton is still committed under a long-term contract; he's in year 11 of a 13-year, $325 million contract. With this amount of investment, the Yankees will want to make certain about their health and performance.When Stanton begins his rehab games, he will likely take at least a week or perhaps more before he'll be able to get back to the big leagues. Since he's been off for so long, he will come back as the team's designated hitter to gradually get back into action.Following months of elbow issues, he's now running, hitting, and doing live batting practice. He could soon start a rehab stint. The Yankees are hoping he brings some power to their lineup and keeps them going the rest of the year.