Travis Ishikawa To Elect Free Agency

SATURDAY: Ishikawa cleared waivers and will elect free agency, MLBTR has learned.

THURSDAY: The Yankees designated first baseman Travis Ishikawa for assignment to open a roster spot for Derek Jeter, they announced today.  Ishikawa, who received only two plate appearances with the Yankees, is expected to go on waivers today, MLBTR has learned.  Jeter makes his season debut tonight following his long recovery from ankle surgery, batting second at designated hitter.

Ishikawa, 29, received most of his playing time with the Orioles' Triple-A club, hitting .316/.413/.525 in 208 plate appearances.  He had signed a minor league deal with Baltimore and was added to the big league club upon reaching his opt-out date.  He was designated for assignment and claimed off waivers by the Yankees shortly thereafter given their lack of depth at first base after Mark Teixeira's season ended.