Red Sox ink Tommy Joseph to minor-league deal - MLB

The Red Sox signed free agent infielder Tommy Joseph to a minors deal on Saturday, per reports. Joseph was released by the LG Twins of the KBO League last month and will serve as minor league infield depth for the time being.

It’s been a minute since the 28-year-old first baseman stepped foot in any stateside ballpark. Joseph made his last major-league appearance in 2017, rounding out a semi-successful two-year stint with the Phillies before taking a minors deal with the Rangers in 2018. He entered free agency in October of that year and signed a one-year, $1 million pact with the LG Twins the next month, after which he batted .274/.332/.426 with nine home runs, 36 RBI, and a .758 OPS through 217 plate appearances in 2019.

Joseph offers some defensive versatility as well; during his time in the majors, he split his starts between first base and DH, and has substantial experience behind the plate from his minor league trek through the Giants’ and Phillies’ farm systems. However he’s utilized, though, the Red Sox are unlikely to see him in Boston until September.

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.