Astros will start Justin Verlander on short rest in ALDS Game 4 - MLB

The Rays kept their playoff hopes alive by shellacking the Astros in Game 3 of the ALDS by a 10-3 margin. It’s still an uphill battle for the Rays but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Per MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart, the Astros will start Justin Verlander in Game 4. Verlander started Game 1, so he’ll be on three days’ rest. The veteran right-hander was terrific against the Rays, holding them scoreless on one hit and three walks with eight strikeouts over eight innings.

MLB.com’s Juan Toribio reports the Rays will go with a bullpen day, starting reliever Diego Castillo. Castillo could go more than one inning, something he did in 15 of his 65 relief appearances during the regular season.

If the Rays are able to overcome Verlander, they will almost certainly have to face Gerrit Cole in a decisive Game 5.

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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.