Phillies acquire RHP Pat Neshek from Astros - MLB

The Astros dealt right-handed reliever Pat Neshek to the Astros on Friday afternoon, per a report from Houston Chronicle’s Jake Kaplan. The Phillies will pick up Neshek’s $6.5 million club option in 2017, while the Astros will receive cash or a player to be named later.

Neshek improved in his second season with the Astros, producing a 3.06 ERA and 3.91 K/BB rate over 47 innings in 2016. His Achilles’ heel looks like a prototypical left-handed hitter, as he faced lefties in just 12 1/3 innings with an inflated batting line of .240/.321/.646. With his loss, the Astros could fill the gap in their bullpen with one of several internal options, including left-hander Kevin Chapman and right-handers Brad Peacock, Brady Rodgers, and James Hoyt, though outside options have not been explicitly ruled out.

The Phillies, meanwhile, will deepen their reserve of relief arms with Neshek as they work on rebuilding for 2017. The veteran righty’s side-winding delivery makes him most effective against right-handed batters, and while he appeared to peak with the Cardinals in 2014 (1.87 ERA and 0.78 WHIP in 67 1/3 innings), he looks to be a decent and affordable option for the club.

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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.