Orioles sign Nate McLouth to minor-league contract - MLB

Released by the Pirates last week after passing through waivers unclaimed, Nate McLouth has signed a minor-league contract with the Orioles.

Pittsburgh is on the hook for his entire $1.75 million salary, so Baltimore is merely adding some Triple-A outfield depth and will hope McLouth can show some signs of life for the first time since 2009.

He’s still just 30 years old, but McLouth has hit .203 with a .624 OPS in 200 games since the beginning of 2010 and looked completely lost as a part-timer for the Pirates this season.

In addition to McLouth the Triple-A Norfolk lineup also now includes Miguel Tejada, Lew Ford, Bill Hall, and a rehabbing Brian Roberts, so they’d definitely have to be considered International League favorites for 2006.

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.