NEW YORK – Giving themselves another backup catching option, the New York Yankees have claimed Eli Whiteside off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.
The 33-year-old was 1 for 11 in 12 games for the Giants this year, when he hit .224 with one homer and 20 RBIs in 60 games at Triple-A Fresno. He appeared in 56 games for San Francisco's World Series champions in 2010 and 82 last year. He was not on this year's World Series roster as the Giants won their second title in three years.
New York starter Russell Martin became a free agent. Chris Stewart was his backup, with Francisco Cervelli at Triple-A. Austin Romine was limited to 31 games in the minor leagues because of a back injury.
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