Yankees Release Luis Cruz

MONDAY: The Yankees have released Cruz, according to the MLB.com Transactions page.

FRIDAY: The Yankees have designated infielder Luis Cruz for assignment in order to clear a 40-man roster spot for the newly signed Mark Reynolds, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch (on Twitter). The Yankees optioned right-hander Preston Claiborne to Triple-A to open up a 25-man roster spot, Hoch adds.

The 29-year-old Cruz hit just .145/.190/.179 in 187 plate appearances between the Dodgers and Yankees this season, just one year removed from an impressive .297/.322/.431 effort with Los Angeles in 2012. Cruz had been on the disabled list with a knee sprain since July 24 prior to his DFA.