Athletics option Tommy Milone to Triple-A Sacramento

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Having added two starting pitchers — Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel — in Friday’s big trade with the Cubs, the Athletics needed to juggle the roster a bit to make room. The club announced that outfielder Nick Buss was designated for assignment, and that Tommy Milone has been optioned to Triple-A Sacramento.

Milone, who was shocked to learn of his demotion, began the year in the Athletics’ starting rotation but didn’t make his season debut until April 11 due to scheduling and a rainout. Over 16 starts, the 27-year-old lefty posted a 3.55 ERA with a 61/26 K/BB ratio in 96 1/3 innings.

Buss, 27, was claimed by the A’s off waivers from the Dodgers in early May and spent his time since with Triple-A Sacramento. In 250 plate appearances, he posted a .683 OPS. He’ll likely pass through waivers and the A’s will keep him right where he is.

The A’s, by the way, have listed Samardzija as Sunday’s starter against the Blue Jays.

Stanton, Donaldson, Kahnle activated by Yankees ahead of Dodgers series

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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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.