Yasmani Grandal likely to begin minor league rehab assignment this week - MLB

Yasmani Grandal’s first extended chance at playing time in the big leagues hit a bit of a snag when he suffered a strained right oblique two weeks ago, but he’s inching closer to beginning a minor league rehab assignment.

According to Corey Brock of MLB.com, Grandal took batting practice from both sides of the plate prior to tonight’s game against the Braves. He’s scheduled to take batting practice again tomorrow and throw to the bases. If all goes well, he’ll likely go out on a rehab stint with High-A Lake Elsinore.

Grandal, who was acquired from the Reds in the Mat Latos deal, is hitting .312/.349/.597 with five home runs, 15 RBI and a .947 OPS over his first 83 plate appearances in the majors. Padres manager Bud Black hopes to have the 23-year-old back for a series against the Giants this week, but John Baker and Nick Hundley will share playing time behind the plate for now.

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.