Stanton, the strange man, began to practice actual combat strikes, and new progress was made in rehabilitation

Giancarlo Stanton's recovery from both elbow injuries continues to progress. The designated Yankees striker took part in combat strike practice at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, a day after facing teammate Jake Cousins in a combat shooting drill.

Due to epicondylitis of both elbows affecting offseason preparations, Stanton has yet to play this season. The injury has plagued the 35-year-old heavy gunner last year, including when he won the MVP in the American League Championship Series and led the team to a victory over the Guardians.

Stanton recently received three rounds of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to speed up recovery and said he would need to continue to manage elbow discomfort for the rest of his career. "I don't want to talk about it over and over again because I've said it too many times," Stanton said, "and as long as I'm on the pitch, it's in good shape." Other than that, there is no need to discuss the degree of recovery. "

While Stanton said on Wednesday that he would need to play minor league rehab before returning, Yankee head coach Aaron Boone hinted that he could return directly to the team later this month when he meets the 60-day injury list (in time for the West Coast road trip that begins on May 26, against the Angels and Dodgers).

Boone pointed out that Stanton's rehabilitation program would be different because it would not require garrison training. Stanton has been using the Trajekt high-speed pitcher for batting drills for the past few weeks, and he will continue to do so at home for the next two weeks while on the road with the Yankees.

"When 'G' (Stanton's nickname) stepped into the strike zone, I was sure he was ready," Boone said, "and he wouldn't be forced to play if he didn't feel he could output efficiently." When it's really ready, the team's power will definitely increase. "

The Yankees pitcher camp will also welcome back reinforcements. Right pitcher Jonathan Loáisiga's rehabilitation has been transferred from 1A Tampa to 3A Scranton/Wilkes-Barry, with plans to make him a major league game by the end of the month.

Boone revealed that Loaisiga, who is recovering from right elbow surgery, is currently scheduled for five triple-A appearances: the first match is scheduled for Wednesday, followed by back-to-back games on Sunday and Tuesday, and back-to-back appearances on May 17-18.

"I'm excited about the progress of 'Lo' (Lo Ai Siga's nickname)," Boone said, "and I'm in great shape when he practiced at the Tampa Bullpen in April and can't wait for him to return." "