Veteran Francisco signed to bolster Triple-A outfield

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Padres have signed veteran outfielder Ben Francisco to a Minor League contract and have sent him to Triple-A Tucson.

Francisco was designated for assignment by the Yankees on May 26 and was released on June 3. He hit .114 in 44 at-bats with the Yankees and had one home run.

Francisco, 31, has played with six Major League teams over parts of seven seasons. He signed with the Yankees in March.

Francisco is expected to be in uniform for Tucson on Wednesday. Tucson is running short of healthy outfielders with Travis Buck on the disabled list, hence the signing of Francisco.

Francisco hit 15 home runs with the Indians in 2008 and hit a combined 15 home runs with the Indians and Phillies the following season.