Yankees sign infielder Cliff Pennington to minor league deal

As the Yankees continue to reel from injuries and call-ups, the team has been on the hunt for depth pieces. Earlier today, the club announced the signing of veteran infielder Cliff Pennington to a minor league contract. The team assigned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Pennington, 34, spent most of the 2018 season splitting time between the Reds and Rangers’ Triple-A teams. He made 34 plate appearances with Cincinnati, hitting to a .138/.265/.138 line with a 21 wRC+. The Athletics signed Pennington to a minor league deal in the offseason, but released him last week.

Primarily a light-hitting bench bat, Pennington has some defensive versatility. In recent years he logged most of his innings at second and third base, but he has played some shortstop. He even dabbled in the outfield in 2015. Expect him to play all around the diamond in Scranton.

While Pennington could get the call to the Bronx at some point, this move fills a hole for the RailRiders. They recently lost Tyler Wade and Thairo Estrada to promotions. Somebody has to play for them. At least until Troy Tulowitzki or Miguel Andujar return — the latter is no sure thing — Pennington will keep a spot warm in Scranton.