KANSAS CITY — Just as Yankees reliever Jake Cousins finally was making big progress toward returning from a spring training forearm strain, the veteran right-hander has been shut down after two rehab outings with a new injury. His pitching elbow now is the issue.

With Stanton sidelined, Ben Rice has been the Yankees’ primary DH this season. The sophomore, who can also play first and catch, has posted Stantonian exit velocities while hitting .241/.327/.497 with 12 homers and 25 RBI over 56 games.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton didn’t rule out potentially making his season debut vs. the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park this weekend. “I don’t know,” he said. “I’m not sure.”