NEW YORK -- Giancarlo Stanton is nearing a return to the outfield for the first time in nearly two years, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Friday.
Stanton has had his playing time limited while the Yankees have used slugger Aaron Judge as the designated hitter while working his way back from a flexor tendon strain in his right elbow.
Stanton was not in the lineup for the third straight game on Friday as the Yankees opened a three-game series against the AL West-leading Houston Astros.
Stanton could be back in the lineup soon.