Bronx, NY (Sports Network) - The New York Yankees released veteran outfielder Matt Diaz on Sunday.
Signed to a minor league contract by New York during the offseason, Diaz failed to make the club as a right-handed bench bat after going just 6-for-30 with two RBI in 13 spring training contests. The Yankees also recently brought in journeyman Ben Francisco to likely serve in that role for the upcoming season.
A career .291 hitter over 10 major league seasons, Diaz batted .222 with two homers and 13 RBI in 51 games with Atlanta last year. He has also spent time with Tampa Bay, Kansas City and Pittsburgh in addition to the Braves.
