David Ortiz and Josh Beckett blame the media for plunkings - MLB

Here was David Ortiz after last night’s game, in which he was plunked:

“I just want to thank [the media]. Not all of you, but some of you, for the stat today about be not being hit. I finally got hit. I hope you [expletive] are happy.”

Then Josh Beckett:

“I’m still trying to figure out if David got hit for something I did or if it was something ESPN stirred up.”

Eh. I think the media’s calls for retaliation following Tuesday night’s game were pathetic indicia that they care more about storylines and at sort of bullcrap than they do about the actual honor and well-being of players, but let’s be honest here: the media didn’t make CC Sabathia hit David Ortiz. I don’t think the media could make Sabathia do anything he didn’t want to.

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.