Remembering the less-famous ballplayers who served - MLB

Happy Memorial Day everyone. Hope you have a nice day off and, as you’re having that day off, hope you take the time to think about why you’re getting it.

From a baseball perspective, we’ll no doubt hear and read stories today about the major leaguers who served in the military. A good place to start with this is over at The Platoon Advantage, where The Common Man has some stories of some of the less-famous ballplayers who served out nation heroically and don’t tend to get a lot of general recognition for it.

We all know about Bob Feller and Ted Williams, and nothing can be taken away from their legacies as both ballplayers and servicemen. But we’d all probably do well to think about Gabby Street and Al Bumbry too.

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.