Yankees Injury Update: Best Giancarlo Stanton news yet, Cody Bellinger, Carlos Rodón

Frustrated with the New York Yankees' offense? Feeling like there's no end in sight until injuries sort themselves out? Well, there's some good new for you on Tuesday after Aaron Boone spoke to reporters prior to the series opener vs the Seattle Mariners.

The headliner? Giancarlo Stanton. The big fella was seen running the bases at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 11. It seems like his "introduction to some bases" is going well. This is actually ... game speed for Stanton? Not sure he goes much faster than that.

Yeah, practice that slow-down before arriving at the bag! Stanton can be seen gracefully gliding into second base and avoiding an abrupt stop, which has been the main culprit for his lower body injuries. This calf issue that has kept him out since late April featured a "stop and go" move that somehow resulted in a strain. He then suffered another strain during his rehab that has kept him sidelined for longer than expected. Now, there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Like or dislike Stanton, the man is a difference maker in this Yankees lineup. He will protect others around him and undoubtedly come through in the clutch when he's needed most.

Cody Bellinger will be first position player back in Yankees lineup

Give the Yankees some credit. They are decimated with injuries and still have a 6.5-game advantage in the Wild Card picture. They also remain two games ahead of the Red Sox, who just went on an historic 27-3 run over 30 games.

They've been without Stanton and Aaron Judge for months. Cody Bellinger was placed on the IL back on July 26 with a hamstring injury. Most teams would die if they lost that many key players. Bellinger might not have been an offensive force, but his defense is so important. And the Yankees may not be without him for much longer.

Apparently Boone and Bellinger weren't lying about his accelerated timeline. Bellinger was seen shagging fly balls in the outfield on Tuesday and it appears as if he could be gearing up for a rehab assignment relatively soon. Not too soon, but soon enough.

There will be considerable roster upheaval over the next 2-4 weeks, but it'll be worth it because the Yanks need the production.

Carlos Rodón nearing return to Yankees starting rotation

Somehow, someway, the otherworldly starting rotation is going to get a boost, too. Carlos Rodón made a rehab start with Triple-A Scranton over the weekend and was reassigned to Double-A Somerset. He'll make one more appearance there (it's much closer to New York) and then will return to the active roster.

He threw 48 pitches on Aug. 8 and figures to get into the 60 range on Thursday. Then he'll be slated to make a start the following week against the Baltimore Orioles. That will force the Yankees' hand with roster maneuvering as well.

Who goes to the bullpen between Will Warren and Ryan Weathers? Or do they roll with a six-man rotation to ensure all of Gerrit Cole, Max Fried and Cam Schlittler are managed properly?

That's a problem for next week. Right now, we'll enjoy the good news while we have it as we envision a healthy Yankees roster awaiting Judge's return in September.

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