Report: Nationals not interested in trading Ian Desmond - MLB

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, at least one team that inquired about Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond was told the club will not trade him. Rosenthal adds that Nationals GM Mike Rizzo would consider a deal for Desmond “we can’t refuse” and that it would have to be “pretty elaborate”.

The Nationals recently acquired shortstop Yunel Escobar from the Athletics in exchange for reliever Tyler Clippard, heightening speculation that Desmond could be moved. For now, Escobar will play at second base while Danny Espinosa slides back to the bench.

Desmond, 29, can become a free agent after the season. In 2014, he batted .255/.313/.430 with 24 home runs, 91 RBI, and 24 stolen bases. He is the only player in baseball with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in each of the last three seasons.

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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.