The Yankees have signed journeyman outfielder Matt Diaz to a minor-league deal, a source confirmed.
Diaz is a right-handed hitter, and will be invited to major-league camp. He will have a chance to compete for the extra outfield spots behind Curtis Granderson, Brett Gardner and Ichiro Suzuki.
The Yankees are still interested in adding another right-handed outfielder. They have talked with Scott Hairston, but if they won't give him a two-year deal, it seems unlikely he will sign with them. Jeff Baker, who has played for three clubs, could be another right-handed alternative.
The New York Daily News first reported the Diaz signing.
In 2012, Diaz hit .222 with two homers and 13 RBIs in 51 games with the Braves. His OPS was .613. He did have a .740 OPS in 78 at-bats against lefties in '12.
In his career, his .863 OPS versus lefties is even more impressive. As a pinch-hitter, he has a .609 OPS in 242 at-bats.
Diaz should be able to relate to most of the other Yankees in the clubhouse, as he turns 35 in March.
