MLB Injury Updates Today - Mookie Betts progressing well, close to taking live batting practice soon; Yoshinobu Yamamoto to throw his first bullpen after injury on Friday; Giancarlo Stanton to return to action this week

Several players are making strides in their bid to return to their teams after suffering from some kind of injury, hoping to help them win games. Among them are key assets like Mookie Betts and Yoshinobu Yamamoto for the LA Dodgers, and Giancarlo Stanton for the New York Yankees.

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A look at the latest injury updates on these three stars

#1. Mookie Betts (Fractured left hand)

LA Dodgers leadoff hitter Mookie Betts has been sidelined since June 16, after a game against the Kansas City Royals. In the seventh inning of that game, he was drilled on the left hand by a 97.9-mph fastball from Dan Altavilla.

In his process of recovering from injury, Betts is reportedly doing well and is close to participating in live batting sessions. The shortstop was cleared to swing a bat a couple of days ago and now finds himself teeing the ball, which will eventually lead to live sessions.

“I’ve gotten to swing a little bit, hitting the little rubber balls and then eventually move into some tennis balls, then baseballs and whatnot,” Betts told reporter Kirsten Watson. “So just want to make sure every swing I take, the hand is okay. There’s no vibration or anything that’s gonna slow the healing process down.”

#2. Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Strained right rotator cuff)

The Japanese pitcher has not pitched since June 15 and is recovering from a strained rotator cuff. After being shut down for nearly a month from throwing activities, the rookie started his throwing program a couple of weeks ago.

According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session on Friday since the injury.

#3. Giancarlo Stanton (Hamstring strain)

The New York Yankees' hard hitter has been out of the lineup since June 22 due to a hamstring strain. He was only going to be out for a month but has taken one more week. As per manager Aaron Boone, Giancarlo Stanton is expected to be in the lineup for Monday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

"He'll probably be back -- we're shooting for Monday in Philly, but we'll see also how these next couple of days go, too," Boone said last Friday. "I know he's doing a heavy day back there today, so let's get through that and see where we're at." [H/T ESPN]

Stanton returning to the lineup would be a positive development for the Yankees, who have been in a slump, having gone 4-6 in their last 10 games.