The New York Yankees have signed left-handed slugger Jack Cust to a minor-league contract, reports WFAN's Sweeny Murti.
Cust, who was released by the Houston Astros on Tuesday, is likely to compete for at-bats as the Yankees left-handed designated hitter. The Yankees signed Raul Ibanez with the idea that he would seize the left-handed DH spot, but the 39-year old has struggled immensely during spring training. In 42 at-bats, Ibanez has managed just three hits for a .071 average to go along with just one home run and 4 RBI.
Cust, who batted .213 with three home runs last season in 225 at-bats with the Seattle Mariners, has also spent time at first base and in the outfield. The 33-year-old hit a career-high 33 home runs with the Oakland Athletics in 2008, when he led the MLB in both bases on balls and strikeouts.
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