Cubs sign Mike Baxter

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According to Matt Eddy of Baseball America, the Cubs have signed outfielder Mike Baxter to a minor league contract.

You might remember Baxter from his time with the Mets from 2011-2013. Most notably, the Queens native made a highlight reel catch in the game in which Johan Santana threw the first no-hitter in franchise history on June 1, 2012. The 30-year-old is a .225/.331/.342 hitter over 423 plate appearances in the majors and appeared four games with the Dodgers last year.

Baxter is unlikely to crack the Cubs’ Opening Day roster, but he’s useful depth to have around at the Triple-A level. And he’ll always be aces with Mets fans.

Stanton, Donaldson, Kahnle activated by Yankees ahead of Dodgers series

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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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.