Trade delayed as Red Sox talk long-term deal with Gonzalez - MLB

The Red Sox may want to wait on officially inking a contract extension with Adrian Gonzalez, but they do want some terms in place before signing off on their blockbuster five-player trade with the Padres. And it’s now officially crunch time.

Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that the Sox won’t finalize the Gonzalez trade unless the first baseman agrees to an “understanding” toward a long-term deal. The deadline for negotiations has been set at 2pm ET — less than 30 minutes from now.

Gonzalez is thought to be seeking a contract similar to the five-year, $125 million one that Ryan Howard signed with the Phillies earlier this year. That’s far from unreasonable, but the Red Sox rightfully have some concerns about Gonzalez’s shoulder, which he had surgically repaired in October.

LOS ANGELES — Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, and Tommy Kahnle were activated by the New York Yankees ahead of their weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

New York cleared three roster spots after a 1-0 loss at Seattle, optioning infielder-outfielders Oswaldo Cabrera and Franchy Cordero to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre along with left-hander Matt Krook.

Stanton, Donaldson and Kahnle all played in a rehab game for Double-A Somerset. Stanton was hitless in three at-bats in his first appearance since injuring his left hamstring on April 15.

Donaldson went 1 for 4 in his fourth rehab game as he comes back from a strained right hamstring originally sustained on April 5.

Kahnle pitched one inning, giving up one run and one hit and walking two. He has been out since spring training with right biceps tendinitis.

Aaron Boone said he wasn’t concerned about Stanton returning after playing in just one rehab game. He did say that Stanton likely will be a designated hitter for a couple of weeks after rejoining the Yankees.

New York is missing centerfielder Harrison Bader, who strained his right hamstring against the Mariners and went on the injured list the next day.

Left-hander Carlos Rodón, sidelined since spring training by a sore left forearm and an ailing back, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.