Stanton Takes Batting Practice, May Return in May

New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton participated in on-field batting practice Tuesday for the first time since being sidelined by tendinitis and torn tendons in both elbows, after missing all of spring training. While he has been working out indoors and using specialized training tools, this session marked his most visible progress in recovery. There is still no definitive timetable for his return, but Stanton has not been placed on the 60-day injured list, leaving open the possibility of a May comeback following a required minor league rehab assignment. Manager Aaron Boone did not specify further details about Stanton's recovery. In his absence, both Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt have contributed to a strong Yankees offense, with the team leading the AL East. Stanton's return, along with DJ LeMahieu beginning his own rehab assignment, could further bolster the Yankees' playoff push.