Report: Astros to sign Robinson Chirinos - MLB

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletci reports that the Astros and free agent catcher Robinson Chirinos have a deal in place, pending a physical. The specifics of the contract are not yet known but should be shortly.

Chirinos, 34, spent his last six seasons with the Rangers, hitting an aggregate .233/.325/.443 with 67 home runs and 197 RBI across 1,546 plate appearances. He has also graded out mostly as an above-average defender.

Chirinos will share playing time behind the dish with Max Stassi. The Astros utilized Brian McCann and Martín Maldonado along with Stassi this past season, but both went into free agency. McCann signed with the Braves recently while Maldonado is still unsigned.

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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.