Yankees sign OF Fukudome to minor league contract

NEW YORK – The New York Yankees have signed outfielder Kosuke Fukudome to a minor league contract, a month after he was cut by the Chicago White Sox.

The Yankees announced the deal Friday and sent him to Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes-Barre.

The 35-year-old Fukudome hit .171 with four RBIs in 41 at-bats for the White Sox. The former Japanese star began his major league career in 2008 with the Chicago Cubs. He also has played for Cleveland.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi says Fukudome gives the organization more depth in the outfield.