Yanks to DFA Roberts to make room for Drew

BOSTON -- Brian Roberts played 91 games for the Yankees this year, marking his highest total since 2009, but he had produced just two hits in his last 17 at-bats and was held out of the lineup for the team's last two games going into the non-waiver Trade Deadline.

The Yankees plan to designate Roberts for assignment to create room for Stephen Drew on the active roster. With 348 plate appearances this season, Roberts' Yankees tenure will end two plate appearances shy of a $250,000 bonus, but general manager Brian Cashman said the incentive was not a factor in the decision.

"No. Bottom line, it's all just based on evaluations," Cashman said. "We're taking on money [in Drew and Martin Prado]. I had to go to ownership to ask to take on money. Somebody's performance bonuses -- by doing deals where you're adding to your roster and taking on payroll in a significant way, it has nothing to do with somebody's roster bonuses."

Roberts, 36, posted a slash line of .237/.300/.360 with five homers and 21 RBIs after signing a $2 million contract in January. Roberts already collected $350,000 in incentives, tied to reaching 250 and 300 plate appearances.

Cashman said that he was appreciative of the contributions from Roberts and Kelly Johnson, who was swapped to Boston for Drew.

"These guys, I thank them for their effort and what they brought, and I'm sorry to see them go," Cashman said. "But at the same time, we're trying to improve our club. In Drew's case and Prado's case, they're going to assist us as we move forward, and reinforce and improve our chances. It's just the nature of the beast."