Tim Lincecum close to signing with the Angels - MLB

Jeff Passan of Yahoo reports that Tim Lincecum is closing in on a deal with the Angels. Passan said the Giants and White Sox, who were in the mix previously, are now out.

Lincecum would fit well into a decimated Angels rotation, still dealing with the loss of Garrett Richards and Andrew Heaney. The Angels last week picked up Jhoulys Chacin in a trade from the Braves, but any additional arms would help. For Lincecum’s part the chance to start, instead of come out of the bullpen, has been reported as a top priority.

Lincecum pitched in only 15 games last year and has been a free agent since last fall as he recovered from hip surgery. He pitched in a showcase for multiple teams a couple of weeks ago, and the Angels apparently liked what they saw.

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.