Reinforcements arrive for Yankees in time for Dodgers series

In a set of corresponding moves, the Yankees sent utility man Oswaldo Cabrera, OF Franchy Cordero and RP Matt Krook to their Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. 

Stanton – who will begin his return as a DH before working his way back to the outfield – adds a powerful bat to a lineup that currently ranks fourth in the majors in home runs even despite the former MVP going down with a hamstring strain on April 15.

In 2023, Stanton has four home runs and 11 RBIs in 13 games. His addition to the lineup provides protection for Yankees captain Aaron Judge, though it could take some time for him to get back up to speed. Stanton played in just one rehab game for Double-A Somerset, going 0-for-3 with a walk.

Donaldson's return process is murkier than Stanton's. 

The 37-year-old third baseman suffered a hamstring strain of his own on April 5, but he also had multiple complications on his way back, including a cut on his finger which he suffered while assembling something at home, per Hoch. After struggling at the plate last season, Donaldson got off to a slow start in his small sample size of five games this year before going on the injured list. 

If his poor hitting continues or his defense suffers, Donaldson could see his playing time taken by Cabrera or former top prospect Oswald Peraza, who has had success at Triple-A this season. 

Kahnle is the only one of the trio yet to make an appearance for the Yankees this season, as the team announced March 9 he would begin the season on the injured list with a bicep strain. He will be a welcome reinforcement for a bullpen that has logged the fourth-most innings pitched and strikeouts this season. 

Of the Yankees demoted, most notable is Cabrera, who came into the season expecting to be an everyday starter thanks to his ability to play in the infield and outfield. Cabrera was hitting just .195 with three home runs and 33 strikeouts in 50 games prior to his being sent down.

The Yankees are off Thursday before opening a three-game series in Los Angeles, with Luis Severino expected to face off against LA's Clayton Kershaw to open the series on Lou Gehrig Day on Friday.