MLB and the umpires reach a five-year labor agreement - MLB

There was a time when the umpires and Major League Baseball didn’t get along that well when it came to labor stuff. Then, one day, the umpires union had the brilliant idea of mass resignations as a means of attempting to create bargaining leverage. Major League Baseball happily accepted the resignations of the umps it didn’t like but had no real power to fire, re-hired the ones they did like and went on its merry way. Since then: ump-league labor peace.

So you will not be shocked that, for the fourth time since that ill-advised gambit, the union and the league have reached a new labor deal with little muss nor fuss:

Major League Baseball owners and the World Umpires Association, the exclusive bargaining representative of all full-time Major League Umpires, have both officially ratified a five-year labor agreement, the parties announced today. The pact covers the 2015-2019 seasons.

I figure we’re two or three more cycles until institutional memory of 1999 is wiped out and someone with the umpires union gets it in their head that they have any real power in this relationship. Until then, smooth sailing.

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.