Royals sign Kris Medlen for two years, with option for 2017 - MLB

Kris Medlen, who missed all of this year recovering from his second Tommy John elbow surgery, has agreed to a two-year contract with the Royals that includes a mutual option for 2017.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com says it’s worth $8.5 million in guaranteed money, including a $1 million buyout of a $10 million option, and there are lots of incentives built in as well.

Before blowing out his elbow the 29-year-old Medlen emerged as one of the best starters in the league, posting a 2.47 ERA in 335 innings for the Braves between 2012 and 2013.

He has a 30-13 record and 2.96 ERA in 61 career starts, along with a 2.92 ERA in 91 career appearances as a reliever, so if healthy the Royals are potentially adding a very valuable arm.

Atlanta made Medlen a free agent by non-tendering him in early December with a projected $6 million salary looming via arbitration.

Follow @AaronGleeman

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.