Giancarlo Stanton, the reigning ALCS MVP, is one step closer to rejoining the New York Yankees. Stanton will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with the Double-A Somerset Patriots on Tuesday, the team announced. He has not yet played this season due to what amounts to tennis elbow in both elbows.

Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton was 3-for-7 with four RBI and a walk in two rehab games with the Somerset Patriots this week, but a scout watching feels the slugger isn't ready to hit major-league pitching. Photo courtesy Somerset Patriots

Yankees right-hander Marcus Stroman has made his first rehab start for Double-A Somerset, allowing one run over 3 1/3 innings in a game against Portland.

The Yankees don’t have everyday at-bats waiting for him. Paul Goldschmidt has settled in at first base and is hitting over .300. Rice has shown he belongs, but there’s no clear path to keep his bat in the lineup every day. Boone hinted at a workaround.

Stanton’s return after missing the entire season thus far creates a dilemma for Yankees manager Aaron Boone. However, in a new column this week, SNY MLB insider Andy Martino detailed the unique was the skipper will use Rice’s versatility to keep his bat in the lineup often even after Stanton returns.

Yankees closer Luke Weaver had a platelet rich plasma injection in his injured left hamstring, and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton is on track to start a minor league rehabilitation assignment nex

The New York Yankees are about to be put in a tough spot when Giancarlo Stanton returns. They are going to have to find a spot for Ben Rice to play.