'Ecstatic' LeBlanc added; Aceves designated

NEW YORK -- Wade LeBlanc said that when he learned he had been claimed off waivers from the Angels on Tuesday, a smile spread across his face. For the 29-year-old left-hander, it was hearing the word "Yankees" that made him happiest.

"You're ecstatic," LeBlanc said. "When I thought about my career path, I never associated it with the New York Yankees, so this is definitely beyond excitement."

LeBlanc joined the Yankees' bullpen on Wednesday and will serve as a long reliever, replacing Alfredo Aceves, who was designated for assignment. LeBlanc had been with Triple-A Salt Lake in the Halos' system, where he was 5-1 with a 3.69 ERA in nine starts.

The Yankees also recalled right-hander Jose Ramirez from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, optioning right-hander Preston Claiborne to Triple-A.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that he will use Ramirez as a multiple-innings pitcher, similar to how he has been using Adam Warren. Ramirez was 2-0 with a save and an 0.84 ERA in seven appearances at Triple-A after missing the first month of the season with a left oblique strain.

"He's somewhat of a power guy with an outstanding changeup and a slider that has become better," Girardi said. "He has the ability to strike out people and be a swing-and-miss guy at times. He's been a guy who's been used to going multiple innings, because he's been a starter most of his career."