Diamondbacks keeping tabs on Kenta Maeda - MLB

The Diamondbacks opened up a spot in their starting rotation on Saturday afternoon when they traded Jeremy Hellickson to the Phillies. GM Dave Stewart already has an idea who he would like to fill that opening. ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reports that the D-Backs are keeping an eye on international pitcher Kenta Maeda.

Maeda, 27, has spent all seven years of his professional career with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the Japan Central League. Over 1,509 2/3 innings, the right-hander has a 2.39 ERA with a 1,233/319 K/BB ratio.

Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reported on Monday that Hiroshima isn’t expected to make Maeda available until after the WBSC Premier 12 international tournament concludes on November 21. The Diamondbacks are one of a handful of teams expected to show interest, along with the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, and Giants.

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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.