The Yankees have designated corner infielder Brandon Laird for assignment, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter). The move creates roster space for Steve Pearce, who was acquired from the Astros today.
Laird hasn't appeared in a game for the Yankees this year, but he played in 11 games for the 2011 team. The 24-year-old has spent the 2012 season with New York's top minor league affiliate, where he has posted a .254/.307/.414 batting line with 15 home runs and 31 doubles in 550 plate appearances. Laird, a right-handed hitter, has considerable minor league experience at first base and third base.
