Stanton closes in on return to Yanks' lineup

NEW YORK -- Giancarlo Stanton took another step toward a return to the Yankees' lineup, going through a full workout prior to Monday night’s game against the Rays.

Stanton has been out since July 24 with soreness in his left Achilles tendon, missing the past 20 games. The slugger will repeat the pregame workouts for the next couple of days, after which the Yankees could send him out on a Minor League rehab assignment.

“The past few days have gone well; I need another one or two to bounce back right,” Stanton said. “I'm still getting my feet under me, so that's why I need a few more days to make sure I'm good to go for a full game.”

Stanton also stood in at the plate while Frankie Montas and Domingo German threw their bullpen sessions, trying to get a feel for his timing after sitting out the past few weeks. He plans to continue that exercise, which he believes will help expedite his ability to get that timing back.

It remains to be seen how many rehab games Stanton will need before he can rejoin the Yankees.

“The least amount possible,” Stanton said. “It’s annoying not playing in general, but you have to be smart, also. That trumps everything.”

Stanton has started 38 games in the outfield (34 in right field, four in left field) and 37 as the designated hitter, and while the Achilles issue shouldn’t prevent him from playing the outfield upon his return, he admitted that he will “definitely have to keep an eye” on the area when he comes back, not wanting to worry about it on a daily basis for the remainder of the season.

“That area kind of has a mind of its own,” Stanton said. “It’s a good day or a bad day; it doesn't matter if you're sitting around DHing or back and forth on the field. We’ll try to get a plan.”