NEW YORK Seeking depth for their injury-depleted infield, the New York Yankees acquired Chris Nelson from the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night for a player to be named or cash.
The Yankees announced the trade after a 5-4 victory over the Houston Astros.
Second baseman Robinson Cano is the only healthy regular in the New York infield right now. Third baseman Alex Rodriguez, shortstop Derek Jeter, first baseman Mark Teixeira and corner infielder Kevin Youkilis all are on the disabled list.
The 27-year-old Nelson, picked ninth overall in the 2004 amateur draft, made 19 starts at third base for Colorado this season and batted .242 with no homers, four runs batted in and 19 strikeouts in 66 at-bats. He was designated for assignment Sunday when the Rockies called up top prospect Nolan Arenado from the minors. We feel that a right-handed bat will help us. Were pretty left-handed right now, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. Hes going to get a chance to play at some point.Nelson has played 139 major league games at third base, 54 at second and three at shortstop.
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The Rockies agreed to a minor-league deal with three-time All-Star pitcher Roy Oswalt.
The team announced the news on its Twitter account Thursday, with Oswalt expected to report to extended spring training.
The 35-year-old Oswalt has a career record of 163-96. Hes also 4-0 with a 2.25 earned run average at Coors Field.Oswalt hasnt pitched in the majors since Oct. 2 when he was with the Texas Rangers. Hes also played for Houston and Philadelphia.
The first-place Rockies certainly could use a boost on the mound with righty Jhoulys Chacin on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained lower back.
