Clint Barmes out 4-6 weeks with Grade 3 groin strain - MLB

From Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review …

Clint Barmes said he has a Grade 3 adductor (groin) sprain. He’s going to be out 4-6 weeks

— Travis Sawchik (@Sawchik_Trib) July 6, 2014

Barmes suffered that injury Saturday during pregame batting practice and was officially placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday morning. This could mean more playing time at shortstop for Josh Harrison, who has been in limbo somewhat since second baseman Neil Walker returned from an appendectomy. Barmes has hit just .239/.320/.284 in 42 games this season as Jordy Mercer’s primary backup at short.

The Pirates finished off a three-game sweep of the visiting Phillies on Sunday afternoon and have moved to within 4 1/2 games of the first-place Brewers in the National League Central standings.

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LOS ANGELES — Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson and Tommy Kahnle appear set to rejoin the New York Yankees ahead of their series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

New York cleared three roster spots, saying that infielder-outfielders Oswaldo Cabrera and Franchy Cordero had been optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre along with left-hander Matt Krook after a 1-0 loss at Seattle.

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.

Boone said he wasn’t concerned about Stanton potentially 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.