Yanks release Sexson, send Cabrera to minors

Aug 15, 2008 - 8:30 PM BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- The fading New York Yankees shook up their roster Friday, releasing designated hitter Richie Sexson while sending outfielder Melky Cabrera to the minor leagues.

Signed on July 18 to provided punch from the right side of the plate, Sexson failed to make any impact with the Yankees, batting .250 with one homer and six RBI in 22 games. He was released by the Seattle Mariners earlier this season after hitting .218 with 11 homers and 30 RBI in 74 games.

A solid player in each of the last two seasons for the Yankees, Cabrera has struggled in 2008. He is hitting .242 with eight homers and 36 RBI in 117 games. Last season, he hit .273 with eight homers and a career-high 73 RBI.

The Yankees (64-57), who have not missed the playoffs since 1993, enter Friday 6 1/2 games behind the Boston Red Sox (71-51) in the American League wild card race.

To replaced Sexson and Cabrera, the Yankees recalled outfielder Brett Gardner and shortstop Cody Ransom from Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre of the International League.

Gardner appeared in 17 games earlier this season, batting .153 (9-for-59) with seven RBI.

The 32-year-old Ransom, who has spent the majority of his career in the minors, is hitting .255 with 22 homers and 71 RBI in 116 games at Scranton. He is a .236 hitter with three homers and 16 RBI over 133 major league games.