Yanks get 3B prospect Nelson; Tarpley to Miami

NEW YORK -- The Yankees announced on Wednesday that they have acquired Minor League third baseman James Nelson and cash considerations from the Marlins in exchange for left-hander Stephen Tarpley.

Nelson, 22, spent his 2019 season with Class A Advanced Jupiter, batting .228 (98-for-429) with 36 runs, 13 doubles, two triples, four homers and 36 RBIs in 121 games. Over four Minor League seasons, the right-handed hitter has hit .259 with 14 homers and 147 RBIs in 328 games, playing exclusively at third base.

The Rex, Ga., native was originally selected by the Marlins in the 15th round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Cisco (Texas) College. MLB Pipeline had listed Nelson among Miami’s top 30 prospects in recent years, but he has been slowed by injuries.

Tarpley, 26, made 31 Major League appearances (one start) for the Yankees from 2018-19, going 1-0 with two saves and a 5.88 ERA (22 earned runs in 33 2/3 innings). The left-handed pitcher was acquired by the Yanks from the Pirates on Aug. 30, 2016, as one of two players to be named later in the trade that sent right-hander Iván Nova to the Pirates on Aug. 1, 2016.

The Yankees designated Tarpley for assignment on Saturday, clearing a 40-man roster spot for the announcement of a new contract for veteran outfielder Brett Gardner.