Tommy Milone had a benign tumor removed from his neck - MLB

On December 4, Twins starter Tommy Milone had a benign tumor surgically removed from his neck, MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger reports. He was able to start his throwing program on schedule, however, and should be ready to go when spring training begins.

Milone, 28 in February, joined the Twins at the trade deadline last season when the Athletics acquired outfielder Sam Fuld. The lefty dealt with neck soreness during the second half and wasn’t nearly as effective, posting a 7.06 second-half ERA over five starts compared to 3.55 over 16 first-half starts.

Milone will compete for a spot in the back of the Twins’ starting rotation against Trevor May, Mike Pelfrey, and Alex Meyer.

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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.