Yanks gain lefty for 'pen in claiming LeBlanc

NEW YORK -- The Yankees have claimed left-hander Wade LeBlanc off waivers from the Angels, providing the club with a new option to help out of the bullpen.

LeBlanc, 29, made one relief appearance with the Angels this season on May 30 at Oakland, allowing four runs in 6 1/3 innings without recording a decision. In nine starts with Triple-A Salt Lake, he was 5-1 with a 3.69 ERA, striking out 43 batters with 14 walks.

In 97 career appearances (68 starts) over parts of seven Major League seasons with San Diego (2008-11), Miami (2012-13), Houston (2013) and the Angels (2014), LeBlanc has gone 20-32 with a 4.53 ERA.

LeBlanc is expected to join the Yankees on Wednesday and could replace Alfredo Aceves in a long-relief role.

Aceves has struggled in his second tour of duty in the Bronx, going 1-2 with a 6.52 ERA in 10 appearances. Aceves has surrendered six home runs in 19 1/3 innings, including two in Monday's 10-2 loss to the Mariners.

"I think it's a little bit of everything," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "With the way our bullpen is constructed, we have one left-hander [Matt Thornton]. It possibly gives you an option for two left-handers. I think it's a little bit of everything."