Ernesto Frieri clears waivers, accepts Pirates' assignment to Triple-A - MLB

Ernesto Frieri went from being the Angels’ closer to being designated for assignment by the Pirates in less than two months and now he’s passed through waivers unclaimed, according to Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish.

Frieri is only owed about $1 million for the remainder of this season, which isn’t a ton if some team wanted him as a reclamation project, but the problem is that his overall salary is $3.8 million and he’d be in line for similar money next year via the arbitration process. So to claim him with the intention to keep him for next season a team would have to think Frieri was worth $4 million or so in 2015.

Coming into this season that probably would have been a no-brainer, as Frieri had a career 2.76 ERA with 315 strikeouts in 231 innings. But he’s been a mess this season for two teams, posting a 7.34 ERA with 11 homers allowed in 42 innings. He’ll likely be non-tendered by the Pirates this offseason.

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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.

Ernesto Frieri clears waivers, accepts Pirates’ assignment to Triple-A

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