Yankees DFA player named after Derek Jeter shortly after claiming him this offseason
Jeter Downs’ Yankee experience is over before it even began.
Named for Derek Jeter, the iconic Hall of Fame shortstop, Downs was designated for assignment Friday by the Yankees to make room for Diego Castillo.
The Yankees claimed the utility player Castillo off waivers Friday from the Mets, who had DFA’d Castillo to make roster room for signing pitcher Sean Manaea.
After being waived by the Washington Nationals, Downs, 25, had been claimed by the Yankees earlier this offseason to provide infield depth.
Castillo, 26, played in one game last season for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who designated him for assignment earlier this month and was picked up by the Mets.
In 2022, his first MLB season, Castillo appeared in 96 games and saw time at all four infield positions and right field. He even pitched two innings.
Castillo spent most of 2023 at Class AAA Reno, batting .313 with 33 doubles, three homers, 72 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 124 games.
Originally signed as an international free agent by the Yankees, Castillo was traded by the Yanks to the Pittsburgh Pirates, along with Hoy Park, in July 2021 in the deal for reliever Clay Holmes.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Jeter Downs: Yankees DFA player named after Derek Jeter
