Yankees sign Hafner to one-year, $2 million deal

Yankees sign Hafner to one-year, $2 million deal

AARON JOSEFCZYK/REUTERS

Travis Hafner celebrates his game-winning RBI against the Yankees in Game 2 of the ALDS in 2007.

The Yankees signed left-handed designated hitter Travis Hafner Friday to a one-year contract worth $ 2 million.

The Bombers plan to use the often-injured Hafner as a platoon designated hitter, strictly playing against right-handers.

Last year, Hafner batted .228 with a .784 OPS and 12 homers in 66 games for Cleveland. He only had 263 plate appearances, however, because of injuries. He hit .241 against right-handers last season, over 40 points higher than against left-handed pitcher (.197).

He dealt with a bulging disc in his back and a right knee injury in 2012. He has also had right shoulder problems.

Hafner drove in over 100 runs in four consecutive seasons from 2004 to 2007 and is tied for fourth among active players with 12 grand slams. He owns a .286 lifetime average against AL East pitching, his highest against any AL division and should benefit from the short right porch at Yankee Stadium (though he has not hit a home run in his 12 at-bats there).

Hafner might be remembered by some Yankees fans for his game-winning hit for the Indians in the 2007 American League Championship Series. That game, however, was better remembered for the swarm of midges that attacked pitcher Joba Chamberlain.

Hafner is also likely coming in very motivated. After playing in Cleveland for 10 years, the Indians bought out his contract for $ 2.75 million in October rather than paying him $ 13 million this season.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated outfielder Russ Canzler for assignment.