The New York Yankees completed their deadline dealing with three more moves just before the 4:00 p.m. EDT deadline on July 31. The first is the acquisiton of outfielder/third baseman Martin Prado from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for slugging Minor League catching prospect Peter O'Brien.
MLB.com's Bryan Hoch described the trade Thursday evening, indicating that Prado will likely play right field, allowing Ichiro Suzuki to resume a reduced role, which the Yankees wanted all along before injuries forced them to play the 41-year-old Suzuki more regularly.
Hoch also reports that the Yankees will designate second baseman Brian Roberts for assignment. Roberts was hitting .237 with 5 HR and 25 RBI. Designating Roberts makes room on the roster for infielder Stephen Drew, whom the Yankees acquired from Boston a little earlier in the day for Kelly Johnson. The Yankees travel to Fenway Park Friday night, making easy transitions for both Drew and Johnson. Drew will likely play second base for the remainder of the season before becoming a costless agent. The Yankees will need a regular shortstop next year because of Derek Jeter's retirement.
Finally, the Yankees also claimed right-handed reliever Esmil Rogers off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. Rogers has no record with a 6.97 ERA and 1.69 WHIP in 16 appearances with Toronto.
Hoch quoted Cashman describing the deals that Cashman has made. Cashman claims that he has improved the team but the players need to produce on the field. Said Cashman,
"I can't tell you how things are going to play out. Do I think our club is better right now? The answer is yes, I think we have improved over time, but talk is cheap. We have to actually go out there and prove that, and I'm hopeful that will happen for our fans."
Cashman may still have some deals to make in August. However, players must now clear waivers before teams can trade them.