Yankees place Morales on waivers

ESPN.com news services
ESPN.com

Wednesday, May 9

NEW YORK – The Yankees have placed Cuban defector Andy Morales on waivers, the New York Post reported on Wednesday.

The Post cited sources in several organizations for the report, but the Yankees refused to comment.

The 26-year-old third baseman signed a four-year, $4.5 million contract in spring training, and any team claiming Morales would inherity the contract.

Morales was placed on waivers last week. If he passes through waivers he can be outrighted to the minors.

The Morales signing was announced on March 11 and there were some in the organization who believed he was going to be Scott Brosius' replacement next year. However, 10 days later the Yankees traded for Drew Henson and eventually signed him to a six-year, $17 million deal.

Even before Henson broke a hand bone that has sidelined him, Morales was sent to Norwich (Double-A) where he has struggled. In 22 games, Morales was hitting .234 with one homer and 11 RBI.

Morales has played third primarily for Norwich but appeared in three games at first.