Yankees Add Left-Handed Reliever David Huff To Roster
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (CBSNewYork/AP) — The New York Yankees have added left-hander David Huff to the roster and designated outfielder Ben Francisco for assignment.
The moves were announced before Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees are confident Huff can fill multiple roles in their bullpen.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi said the addition of Huff, who was claimed on waivers from Cleveland on Saturday, gives the team a second lefty in the bullpen and a reliever that can pitch multiple innings.
"I think you can use him a lot of different ways," Girardi said.
Huff made three relief appearances with the Indians this season, allowing five earned runs in three innings.
"I'm super excited to be here," Huff said.
Huff started the season at Triple-A Columbus, where he was 3-1 with a 4.07 ERA over nine games, including two starts.
Francisco hit just .114 with one homer and one RBI in 21 games.
Left-hander Andy Pettitte felt fine one day after throwing a bullpen session for the first time since going on the 15-day disabled list May 17 because of a strained left trapezius muscle in his upper back.
Pettitte, who will turn 41 next month, is scheduled to throw around 75 pitches in a simulated game Tuesday and could rejoin the rotation Sunday or Monday.
"See how he feels after Tuesday and then make a decision," Girardi said.
First baseman Mark Teixeira, sidelined by a right wrist injury, could also return next week.
Corner infielder Kevin Youkilis, who has missed 26 games with a lumbar spine sprain, didn't rule out starting a minor league rehab assignment this week.
"I've had little pains here and there, but I haven't had any back issues," Youkilis said. "I feel healthy."
David Phelps, hit in the right forearm by a batted ball Friday night, threw on level ground and will have a light bullpen session Monday. It's possible the right-hander might not be ready for his next scheduled start Wednesday.
Girardi said he is "99 percent" sure that Hiroki Kuroda, who left Wednesday night's game against Baltimore with a bruised right calf, will make his start on Tuesday.
NOTES: C Chris Stewart (groin) was out of the lineup, but available off the bench. "I don't think Stew is quite out of the woods yet," Girardi said. "We have to be careful." ... SS Eduardo Nunez (left oblique strain) felt discomfort during batting practice Saturday and was shutdown.
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