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

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.