Yankees sign Luis Cruz
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Luis Cruz throws out Atlanta Braves Andrelton Simmons (not pictured) in the third inning of a game in Los Angeles. (June 6, 2013) Credit: AP
The Yankees have signed free agent infielder Luis Cruz, who was recently cut loose by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team announced Wednesday.
Instead of accepting a minor-league assignment with the Dodgers, Cruz opted for free agency. It worked out for the 29-year-old who will already get his shot with the Yankees. Cruz will play shortstop and hit eighth in Wednesday's game against the Twins in Minnesota after Jayson Nix was diagnosed with a grade 2 hamstring strain and placed on the disabled list.
Cruz will be the fifth different player to start at shortstop for the Yankees while Derek Jeter remains on the disabled list.
In 118 at-bats with the Dodgers this season, Cruz hit .127 with one home run and six RBIs. Cruz is a career .240-hitter in five years of service in the big leagues.
