Yankees Get Three Key Players Back From Injured List Ahead Of Big Series

The New York Yankees roster received some much-needed reinforcements prior to their three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers

On Thursday, the team announced that they've activated third baseman Josh Donaldson, designated hitter/outfielder Giancarlo Stanton and relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle from the injured list.

“They’ve all been doing pretty well here for a while and have been able to do a lot of physical work to get themselves prepared,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters on Wednesday in Seattle. “For the most part, I feel like they’re ready to go.”

This trio completed their respective rehab assignments and flew out to the West Coast on Wednesday to meet the Yankees in Los Angeles.

The series is a homecoming for Stanton, who is from the Los Angeles Tujunga area and won the All-Star Game MVP last year in Dodger Stadium.

Although Stanton only appeared in one rehab game since straining his hamstring on April 15, Boone says that wouldn't necessarily prevent him from rejoining the lineup. The plan is to use Stanton as a designated hitter for the first couple of weeks before getting him back in the outfield.

In Donaldson's case, Boone expects him to resume his role as the everyday starting third baseman. This means DJ LeMahieu would go back to a utility role of playing first, second and third base. Donaldson first strained his hamstring on April 5 before reaggravating it on his first rehab assignment on April 18.

Last but not least, Kahnle (biceps tendinitis) posted a 1.80 ERA over the course of his rehab assignments with Single-A Tampa, Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

To make room for Donaldson, Stanton and Kahnle, the Yankees optioned outfielder Franchy Cordero, slumping utility man Oswaldo Cabrera and reliever Matt Krook to the minor leagues. They also shifted starting pitcher Carlos Rodon to the 60-day injured list.