Report: The Sox are out! Jon Lester choosing between the Giants and Cubs - MLB

This is pretty big:

Sources: Barring late change, Lester choosing between #Cubs, #SFGiants.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 8, 2014

Lester, of course, has always been able to choose where he wants to go. But I think everyone, on some level, thought the Red Sox would be in the game until the end and, possibly, win his services. The Dodgers were in on Lester too and, presumably, are now out as well.

All of this a function of the price tag, obviously. Lester is likely pushing for $150 million and that, it seems is too rich for the Sox’ and Dodgers’ blood.

UPDATE: Lester’s agent is denying Rosenthal’s report:

Lester agent Seth Levinson says idea of Red Sox being out and Giants, Cubs currently finalists “absolutely untrue”

— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) December 8, 2014

Worth noting, of course, that Lester’s agent has an interest in making it look as though as many teams are in on the bidding as possible.

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.