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Yankees Acquire Chris Stewart, Option Francisco Cervelli To Triple-A

NEW YORK (WFAN) - The Yankees made a couple quick moves on Wednesday before finalizing Spring Training and heading to Tropicana Field to begin the regular season against the Rays on Friday.

The Bombers acquired catcher Chris Stewart from the Giants on Wednesday in exchange for right-handed pitcher George Kontos, according to the team.

"We thought we needed to improve our depth," Yankees manager Joe Girardi told WFAN host Mike Francesa.

Stewart will begin the season as the backup catcher on the big league roster, as Francisco Cervelli has been optioned to Triple-A.

"[Cervelli] is going to be back at some point," Girardi said. "He just needs to work and just do the things you do."

"We feel Cervelli is a Major League backup," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman added when speaking to reporters.

Stewart hit .204 with three homers and 10 RBIs in 67 games with San Francisco last season, while Cervelli batted .266 with four homers and 22 RBIs in 43 games for New York.

Do you like the move, or does Cervelli deserve to be on the Opening Day roster? Let us know...

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