Stanton, who has been out since February with tennis elbow in both arms, took live at-bats at Yankee Stadium before Tuesday’s 12-3 victory over the San Diego Padres. The five-time All-Star grounded out to shortstop and drew a walk against rehabbing reliever Jake Cousins.

NEW YORK — Giancarlo Stanton is still at least a few more weeks away from returning to the Yankees from the injured list, but on Tuesday, he stepped in against live pitching at Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees face a brewing lineup dilemma with Giancarlo Stanton nearing return and Ben Rice thriving as the team's DH.