It’s been a tough season for Giancarlo Stanton.

But on Tuesday, the New York Yankees slugger is slated to take a massive step in his return from injury.

Stanton will begin his minor league rehab assignment with the Double-A Somerset Patriots. They announced the news officially on Tuesday morning.

The massive slugger hasn’t played yet this season. He has had problems in both of his elbows that have kept him sidelined.

Now 35, Stanton is coming off 114 games played in 2024 in which he hit 27 home runs. He was at his best in the postseason, adding seven more home runs as the Yankees advanced to the World Series.

MORE: Tigers' Jahmai Jones pays tribute to late father with magical home run in Detroit

Stanton’s impending return could create a bit of a crowded lineup in the Bronx.

Ben Rice has been the DH all season in Stanton’s place, and the lefty swinger has been a revelation as a legitimate MLB bat.

The Yankees may have to make some concessions somewhere to get all the big bats in the lineup, or they’ll have to settle for some platoon situations in the near term.

Stanton has to make it through his rehab assignment unscathed for that problem to come to the forefront anyway, and it’s not a bad problem for Yankees manager Aaron Boone to have.

The Yankees will gladly welcome Stanton back when he’s ready, and they can figure out how it all fits at that point.

MORE MLB NEWS:

• Athletics rookie makes insane home run robbery
• Jose Ramirez is even more important to the Guardians than you think
• Paul Skenes makes miserable MLB history that explains trade rumors
• Craig Kimbrel makes a big career decision after Braves release
• Phillies' Otto Kemp makes history not seen since 1913
• Yankees star makes error while doing live ESPN broadcast