Which hitters have the most multi-homer games? - MLB

Yoenis Cespedes smacked a pair of homers for the A’s last night, which got me thinking about which hitters have the most multi-homer games. My initial reaction was that Cespedes does it a lot and sure enough he’s gone deep multiple times in five games since debuting in 2012.

That’s a lot, but it’s actually not close to the most during that same 2012-2014 time period:

Edwin Encarnacion     10
Alfonso Soriano        9
Giancarlo Stanton      8
Miguel Cabrera         8
Ryan Braun             8

I like that the multi-homer game leaderboard includes four names you’d expect in Edwin Encarnacion, Giancarlo Stanton, Miguel Cabrera, and Ryan Braun … and then Alfonso Soriano, who was released by the Yankees last week and might be retiring.

Also of note: Cespedes’ five multi-homer games since 2012 ranks tied for 22nd and a total of 30 hitters have at least five multi-homer games during that time.

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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.