Nationals, Mets, Rays discussed trade involving Ian Desmond and Ben Zobrist - MLB

The Rays sent Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar in a trade with the Athletics on Saturday afternoon. Prior to that, however, the Rays discussed a three-way trade involving Zobrist with the Nationals and Mets, per a report from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

That deal would have sent Ian Desmond to the Mets, Zobrist and Escobar to the Nationals, and some of the Mets’ top prospects to the Rays. Talks fell apart when the Rays wanted two of the Mets’ prospects from a list of three, a price the Mets weren’t willing to pay. One of those prospects was Noah Syndergaard.

Rosenthal adds that the Mets tried to acquire Zobrist directly from the Rays as well, but the Rays still wanted at least two top prospects.

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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.