Vazquez past elbow issues, cleared for Saturday start - MLB

Marlins right-hander Javier Vazquez was scratched from a scheduled Grapefruit League appearance on Tuesday due to soreness in his right elbow.

The club claimed at the time that the injury was minor, and it turns out they were right.

According to MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro, Vazquez threw a pain-free bullpen session on Wednesday in Marlins camp and has been cleared to start Saturday’s game against the Cardinals.

The Marlins signed Vazquez to a one-year, $7 million contract this offseason which should prove to be a bargain if the 34-year-old is able to bounce back. He posted a rough 5.32 ERA and 1.40 WHIP over 31 appearances for the Yankees last year, but he was the recipient of Cy Young Award votes in 2009 with the Braves.

The Fish are hoping that Vazquez can return to his 2009 form now that he’s back in the National League.

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.