Troy Tulowitzki looks good in first batting practice session since suffering hip flexor strain - MLB

Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is finally making progress in his recovery from a left hip flexor strain. Nick Groke of the Denver Post shared the positive news on Twitter …

Troy Tulowitzki taking batting practice for the #Rockies now at Coors Field. His first baseball workout, I think…

— Nick Groke (@nickgroke) August 6, 2014

And Tulo’s power seems unaffected. Just bombed one to the upper rows in left…

— Nick Groke (@nickgroke) August 6, 2014

Tulowitzki has been on the disabled list since July 20 with what was originally called a left quadriceps cramp. He paid a visit to a sports hernia surgeon last week in Philadelphia and apparently got a good report.

The star 29-year-old looked to be on the way to his first National League MVP award before suffering the hip injury, batting .340/.432/.603 with 21 home runs, 52 RBI, and 71 runs scored through 91 games played.

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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.