Giancarlo Stanton better and nearing return to Yankees' lineup

Because of Giancarlo Stanton's history with soft tissue injuries, the outfielder/DH can't be considered out of the woods yet regarding his right calf strain until he's officially activated from the injured list.

But all indications are Stanton, placed on the 10-day IL May 23 with the calf strain, will be able to return soon. If not on the day he's eligible then shortly thereafter.

"My understanding, just in my conversations with him in the days leading up to today and getting the trainer's report, is that he's doing really well," Boone said late Tuesday afternoon.

Stanton, hitting .285 with 11 homers, 35 RBIs and an .862 OPS in 40 games, was on the field Tuesday taking early batting practice with a handful of his teammates who took early BP. 

"I would imagine it'll be close," Boone said, referencing Saturday, the day Stanton is eligible to come off of the IL. "We'll see. I don't want to speak too soon but I know he's doing really well."

Josh Donaldson, put on the IL Friday with right shoulder inflammation and still facing the one-game suspension from MLB for on-field comments made to White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson during a May 21 game at the Stadium, went through an early workout Tuesday that included field work and BP.

"He's really encouraged with where his shoulder's at," Boone said. "Hopefully he's going to be in that short timeline [to return] as well."

Boone said closer Aroldis Chapman, out since May 24 with left Achilles tendinitis, played catch for the first time during his rehab on Tuesday.

"He's continued to get better," Boone said. "There's still a little bit in there but it's fairly minor, so he's going to get his arm going today and we'll see where we're at in a few [days]."

By Erik Boland

erik.boland@newsday.comeboland11

Erik Boland started in Newsday's sports department in 2002. He covered high school and college sports, then shifted to the Jets beat. He has covered the Yankees since 2009.