Kendrys Morales will be on the bench with the World Series shifting to New York - MLB

With the designated hitter unavailable under National League rules, Royals manager Ned Yost confirmed (via Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com) this afternoon that Kendrys Morales will be on the bench with the World Series shifting to New York this weekend.

Morales took some fly balls in September, which led to some speculation that he could be used in the outfield if the Royals reached the World Series, but they aren’t going to experiment with a 2-0 series lead on the Mets. Alex Rios has enjoyed an excellent postseason and will remain in right field.

Morales amassed 22 home runs and 106 RBI during the regular season and is batting .250 with four home runs and an .802 OPS during the playoffs. His absence is a blow to the middle of the Royals’ lineup, but the veteran switch-hitter will give Yost a big power threat off the bench.

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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.