Needing space on their active roster, the New York Yankees have designated Ben Francisco for assignment. (Image Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports)
Needing to create an opening on their active roster, the New York Yankees have designated outfielder Ben Francisco for assignment, according to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News. The move creates space for David Huff, who the team claimed off of waivers yesterday afternoon. New York now has 39 players on their 40-man roster.
Francisco struggled in limited playing time for the Yankees, hitting just .114/.220/.182 in 50 PA on the year while seeing time in each of the outfield corners. Much of his playing time came in April, as both a defensive replacement and as the team’s designated hitter while the team coped with multiple injuries. Yet, as others on the roster began to heat up (namely Vernon Wells and Lyle Overbay), Francisco’s playing time became even more sparse. He hasn’t appeared in a game since May 17th prior to the team’s decision to DFA him.
New York picked up Francisco on a minor league deal in mid-March, after he’d been released by the Cleveland Indians. He’s a .253/.323/.418 hitter for his career over seven seasons with the Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Yankees.