Giancarlo Stanton, the New York Yankees’ designated hitter, shared a positive update on his anticipated return to the team on Wednesday. The five-time All-Star has been absent from the field this season following an early shutdown in spring training due to tendinitis in both elbows.

According to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo, Stanton engaged in batting practice before Tuesday’s matchup with the San Diego Padres. He faced 10 pitches in his first live batting session since being benched. Additionally, he took more swings during Wednesday’s batting practice.

Stanton mentioned to reporters that he might be back by the month’s end but acknowledged that a rehab assignment might be necessary to rediscover his rhythm. “It depends on the kind of pitchers I face in live batting practice sessions and how I feel during those at-bats,” Stanton explained to Castillo.

Last year, Stanton contended with elbow problems that caused pain when swinging, yet he remained a key player in the Yankees’ pursuit of the World Series, earning ALCS MVP with seven home runs in October. Castillo notes that due to intense pain, Stanton ceased swinging a bat in January and only resumed in March.

Surgery to end his season was considered but eventually delayed. Stanton has received elbow injections for pain relief and stated he’s ready to play through some discomfort upon his return. “If I’m out there, it means I’m fit enough to play, and there are no other qualifiers,” said Stanton. The soonest Stanton can make his comeback is May 27, as he is currently on the 60-day injured list.