Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - Ben Francisco was released by Cleveland earlier on Monday, but found a home just several hours later with the New York Yankees, who agreed to a minor league contract with the outfielder.
Francisco will be considered for a roster spot, according to team general manager Brian Cashman. The Yankees are going to be without outfielder Curtis Granderson, who broke his forearm earlier this spring and won't be ready for opening day.
The 31-year-old brings versatility with experience in all three outfield positions, making 175 starts in left, 39 in center and 123 in right over the course of his career.
Also a serviceable bat, Francisco has hit for a .257 average over parts of six seasons and has tallied 49 homers with 189 RBI in 542 games.
The journeyman outfielder was originally chosen by the Indians in the fifth round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft, but has made stops in Philadelphia, Toronto, Houston and Tampa Bay since.
