The Yankees have added a familiar New York face in an effort to solve their continuing first-base problem. Ike Davis, the ex-Met, has been signed to share the position with utility man Rob Refsnyder.
The left-handed Davis, 29, has become a journeyman after appearing as if he might become a star with the Mets. He used an opt-out clause in his minor league contract with the Texas Rangers to sign a major league deal with the Yankees. At Triple-A Round Rock, Davis batted .268 with four homers, 25 RBIs and a .786 OPS in 39 games.
He hit .229 with a .652 OPS in 74 games for Oakland last season
His father, Ron, pitched for the Yankees from 1979 to 1981. As a 23-year-old, he was fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting as he went 14-2 with 2.85 ERA. He made an All-Star team in 1981.
The Yankees' first basemen have been plagued by injuries this season. Mark Teixeira is out with a knee injury that could require season-ending surgery. Backups Greg Bird, a top prospect, and Dustin Ackley have already had season-ending shoulder surgeries.
Journeyman Chris Parmelee, a night after hitting two homers, went on the disabled list last week with a pulled hamstring.
The Yankees have declined to call up Nick Swisher, who is at Triple-A. Swisher is hitting .254 with seven homers and 23 RBIs in 44 games. The team sent down pitcher Chad Green on Sunday with the expectation it would sign Davis.