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.

The New York Yankees are hoping Giancarlo Stanton is on his way back to the lineup. The superstar slugger has not played this season while dealing with an elbow injury, but is closing in on his return,

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 allowed just one run over 3 1/3 innings in his first rehab start for Double-A Somerset on Wednesday, while slugger Giancarlo Stanton had another hit in his second rehab appearance with the club.

George Lombard, the Yankees’ top prospect, has impressed just about everyone in the organization. That includes the rehabbing Stanton.