Yankees claim RHP David Herndon and LHP Josh Spence off waivers

The New York Yankees today announced they have claimed right-handed pitcher David Herndon off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays and left-handed pitcher Josh Spence off waivers from the San Diego Padres.

Herndon, 27, has appeared in 97 career Major League games from 2010-12, all in relief with the Philadelphia Phillies, going 2-8 with one save and a 3.85 ERA (117.0IP, 50ER). He was claimed off waivers by Toronto on October 23 and designated for assignment on October 31. He appeared in five games for the Phillies in 2012 (0-1, 4.70 ERA, 7.2IP, 4ER) before suffering a flexor pronator strain in his right elbow and undergoing Tommy John surgery in June.

Originally selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, Herndon was a Rule 5 pick by the Phillies in 2009.

Spence, 24, made 11 relief appearances over two stints with San Diego in 2012, going 0-1 with a 4.35 ERA (10.1IP, 5ER, 10K). He spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Tucson, going 4-2 with a 4.20 ERA (49.1IP, 23ER) in 31 games (four starts).

A native of Victoria, Australia, Spence has appeared in 51 career Major League games, all in relief with San Diego, going 0-3 with a 3.15 ERA (40.0IP, 14ER). He was originally selected by San Diego in the ninth round of the 2010 First Year Player Draft and was designated for assignment by the Padres on November 2.