White Sox reportedly nearing trade for Jeff Samardzija - MLB

From Jon Heyman’s latest at CBSSports.com …

SAN DIEGO — The A’s are close to a deal involving Jeff Samardzija. It appears likely he’d be headed to the White Sox.

There was speculation the Red Sox were involved in talks, as well, but the South Side team, which also happens to be Samardzija’s hometown team, has been the most interested and appears like the likely winner.

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports says the A’s front office has been eyeing White Sox infielder Marcus Semien, who could take over at shortstop next year in Oakland with Jed Lowrie departing as a free agent. Multiple prospects would also be headed the A’s way.

Semien has batted just .240/.293/.380 in 326 plate appearances at the major league level since debuting in 2013, but the 24-year-old had a cool .266/.368/.491 slash line and 19 homers in 115 games at Triple-A.

Samardzija is entering his contract year, so this is another sign that the White Sox are going for it in 2015. The 29-year-old former Notre Dame wide receiver had an outstanding 2.99 ERA, 1.065 WHIP, and 202/43 K/BB ratio in 219 2/3 innings (33 starts) this past season between the Cubs and Athletics.

The #WhiteSox and #Athletics agreed to the parameters of Samardzjjia deal several days ago

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 9, 2014

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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.