Blue Jays sign Yorvit Torrealba to minor league contract - MLB

As first hinted by Drew Davison of the Fort-Worth Star-Telegram earlier this afternoon, Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports that the Blue Jays have signed veteran catcher Yorvit Torrealba to a minor league contract.

Torrealba batted just .236/.302/.342 with three home runs, 12 RBI and a .643 OPS in 182 plate appearances with the Rangers this season. The 34-year-old backstop was designated for assignment late last month following the acquisition of Geovany Soto and was given his release last week after passing through waivers.

Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports that Torrealba is slated to report to Triple-A New Hampshire on Thursday, where he’ll play four games before joining the Blue Jays next Tuesday in Detroit. He figures to split playing time with the newly-signed Jeff Mathis for now and will likely move to third on the depth chart if J.P. Arencibia is able to return from a fractured right hand at some point in September.

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.