Vernon Wells Designated For Assignment By Yanks; Thanks Team In Tweet
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Vernon Wells' time in the Bronx is over.
The three-time All-Star was designated for assignment by the Yankees on Friday. The club also officially announced the signing of pitcher Matt Thornton to a two-year deal.
Wells won't be a part of a crowded New York Yankees outfield that includes Brett Gardner, Alfonso Soriano, Ichiro Suzuki and new additions Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran.
Wells thanked the team in a tweet Friday afternoon that also included the hashtag "#NextChapter."
Thank you @Yankees for the opportunity to be a part of such a storied franchise. #Blessed #NextChapter
— Vernon Wells (@VernonWells10) January 10, 2014
His departure frees a spot on the team's 40-man roster. The Yankees could get down to 38 players if A-Rod's suspension isn't overruled entirely.
The Yankees still haven't officially announced their deal with infielder Brian Roberts. Japanese star Masahiro Tanaka is also on the team's radar.
The Yankees traded for Wells last March. The 35-year-old hit .233 with 11 home runs and 50 RBIs in 2013.
He has one year left on his original seven-year, $126 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels, who are on the hook for $18.6 million of his remaining $21 million salary.
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories