Yankees Acquire LHP Francis From A's

The Yankees have acquired Left-handed Pitcher Jeff Francis from the A's in exchange for a player to be named later, MLB.com's Joey Nowak reports. 

In 13 1/3 innings of relief so far this season, Francis has posted a tough-to-look-at 6.08 ERA, the main reason why he was designated for assignment last week.

Still, it's arguable that those numbers are better than Jim Miller's, the pitcher the Bombers cut today in order to make room for their new acquisition.

Francis, 33, won 10+ games for the Rockies from 2005-2007, the last time he really had success, as the veteran hasn't done anything meaningful since then.

In 2009, he never played after undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgury, before struggling in 2010 and recording an above-five ERA with the Royals in 2011.

Despite those bad stats, we do have to remember that this move could work out, something that doesn't actually need to happen anyway, as it's unlikely Francis will appear often for the Pinstripes much less start due to the sudden re-emergence of Chase Whitley.

In other words, while this trade is news it's not exactly Brian Cashman's solution to the team's rotation crisis, but rather a quick-fix to its need for another bullpen arm.