Via Sweeny Murti, the Yankees have signed Jack Cust to a minor league contract. The Astros released the 33-year-old left-handed slugger just yesterday. He gives them some decent Triple-A insurance in case Raul Ibanez’s bat speed continues to be measurable on the Molina scale. It’s also a pretty clear indication that Russell Branyan’s back isn’t getting better anytime soon.
Cust has hit .251/.379/.441 against right-handers over the last three years, though he’s a classic three-true outcomes type. Nearly 50% of his plate appearances since the start of 2009 have ended with a homer, a walk, or a strikeout (49.3% to be exact). Cust has negative defensive value, capable of faking left field and first base on the rarest of occasions. He’s a DH all the way. Chances are we’ll see him get a few at-bats before the end of camp next week.
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