Yankees release Sexson, send Cabrera to minors

Aug 15, 2008 - 9:40 PM BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- The fading New York Yankees shook up their roster Friday, releasing first baseman Richie Sexson while sending outfielder Melky Cabrera to the minor leagues.

In other moves, the Yankees placed righthander Dan Giese on the 15-day disabled list, recalled outfielder Brett Gardner and reliever Chris Britton and purchased the contract of shortstop Cody Ransom from Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

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 home run 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 contests.

"We really appreciate (it). The guy came and accepted the opportunity to do something that's foreign to him, and that's a part-time role," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "He was working on his swing, and at the same time, sporadic play - I don't think - is conducive to him at his stage of his career."

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.

"We just felt it was time for him to go work on some things," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "We can't forget how young Melky is, and sometimes it's difficult to work on things here. We talked about some things offensively and we talked about some things (with) baserunning. We felt that Melky was growing defensively as a player, but we just felt it was time now."

Cabrera was surprised by the demotion.

"I never thought this was going to happen. That's the manager's decision," said Cabrera, who was the club's Opening Day center fielder.

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.

Giese, who was removed from Wednesday's game against Minnesota with right shoulder inflammation, is 1-3 with 2.58 ERA in 15 games.

Britton made five relief appearances for the Yankees earlier this season, posting a 3.38 ERA without recording a decision.

Gardner appeared in 17 games earlier this campaign, 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/Wilkes-Barre. He is a .236 hitter with three homers and 16 RBI over 133 major league games.