David Freese still sidelined with sprained ankle - MLB

Cardinals third baseman David Freese has a history of foot and ankle problems, so there was reason for great concern when he was removed from Monday’s lineup after stepping on a soft spot in the indoor batting cage at Houston’s Minute Maid Park.

But things are looking up just 24 hours later.

According to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, Freese told reporters Tuesday that he is “sore” but “walking around alright.” He is not playing Tuesday night and won’t play on Wednesday either, but the 2011 World Series MVP should be fine for Friday’s series-opener with the Nationals.

Matt Carpenter, batting .304/.372/.482 in 317 plate appearances, will continue to fill in at the hot corner.

Freese, 29, has posted a .296/.373/.471 batting line with 20 homers and 79 RBI in 140 games this season.

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.