What's on Tap: Previewing Friday's Action - MLB

A full slate of night games tonight.

Among the interesting matchups is Sonny Gray for the A’s vs. the BSOHL All-Star Aaron Sanchez. A battle of Jons in Cincinnati, one you’ve heard of, one you probably haven’t. Jonathon Niese is going too. I feel like he used to be a Jon, but the probables list him as “Jonathan.” Another Jon is pitching in Colorado.

Bunch of parents prejudiced against the letter “h” I guess. Well, not Zach Davies’ parents. They went with the “h” instead of the “k” which has become far more prominent. He’s pitching tonight. No Zacks though.

In other name news, this will be the 214th start from the same man named “Gio” without it being interrupted by any other Gios starting. That has to be some kind of record. We have a Jarred going. Tough name. A lot of different ways to spell it. Between that and the Derek/Derrick problems that have plagued the league for a good two decades, it’s almost impossible to write about baseball correctly. My job is really hard you guys.

Anyway:

Minnesota Twins (Kyle Gibson) @ Washington Nationals (Gio Gonzalez), 7:05 PM EDT, Nationals Park

Tampa Bay Rays (Matt Moore) @ New York Yankees (CC Sabathia), 7:05 PM EDT, Yankee Stadium

Oakland Athletics (Sonny Gray) @ Toronto Blue Jays (Aaron Sanchez), 7:07 PM EDT, Rogers Centre

Chicago Cubs (Jon Lester) @ Cincinnati Reds (Jon Moscot), Great American Ball Park

Cleveland Indians (Josh Tomlin) @ Detroit Tigers (Justin Verlander), 7:10 PM EDT, Comerica Park

New York Mets (Matt Harvey) @ Atlanta Braves (Bud Norris), 7:35 PM EDT, Turner Field

Boston Red Sox (Steven Wright) @ Houston Astros (Collin McHugh), 8:10 PM EDT, Minute Maid Park

Philadelphia Phillies (Aaron Nola) @ Milwaukee Brewers (Zach Davies), 8:10 PM EDT, Miller Park

Texas Rangers (Martin Perez) @ Chicago White Sox (Jose Quintana), 8:10 PM EDT, U.S. Cellular Field

Baltimore Orioles (Yovani Gallardo) @ Kansas City Royals (Chris Young), 8:15 PM EDT, Kauffman Stadium

Los Angeles Dodgers (Scott Kazmir) @ Colorado Rockies (Jon Gray), 8:40 PM EDT, Coors Field

Pittsburgh Pirates (Jonathan Niese) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (Patrick Corbin), 9:40 PM EDT, Chase Field

Seattle Mariners (Felix Hernandez) @ Los Angeles Angels (Nick Tropeano), 10:05 PM EDT, Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Miami Marlins (Jarred Cosart) @ San Francisco Giants (Jeff Samardzija), 10:15 PM EDT, AT&T Park

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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.

What’s on Tap: Previewing Friday’s Action

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