Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton is getting closer and closer to returning. He’s been in Tampa for most of the last two work weeks getting five or six at-bats daily facing minor leaguers in simulated games at the club’s player development complex.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters that Stanton will stay in Tampa at the Yankees' minor league complex this week, taking live batting practice. He said he could “potentially” start a rehab assignment next week. It’s progress, but with Stanton, there’s always a wait-and-see vibe.

After much delay, two injured Yankees could begin rehab assignments in the near future. That would be Giancarlo Stanton, who has yet to make his season debut after missing all of spring training with tennis elbows, and Marcus Stroman, who hasn’t pitched since April 11 due to knee inflammation.