Yankees activate Capuano to start vs Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Yankees activated left-hander Chris Capuano from the disabled list to start Sunday's series finale against the Royals, and optioned reliever Bryan Mitchell to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Capuano had been rehabbing in the minors after straining a quadriceps while covering first base during a spring training game on March 11. He made three injury rehabilitation starts, one for Class A Tampa and two for Scranton-Wilkes/Barres, going 1-1 with a 1.84 ERA.

Capuano is sliding into the rotation spot of Chase Whitley, who left his last start with a sprained elbow ligament. He is due to be examined by team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad on Monday in New York to determine whether he needs Tommy John surgery.