Yankees cut two veterans, trade a lefty reliever

Nathan EovaldiKnowing Nathan Eovaldi was going to miss the 2017 season because of Tommy John surgery and Dustin Ackley had been replaced by Ronald Torreyes as a utility infielder, the Yankees designated Eovaldi for assignment and unconditionally released Ackley on Friday.

Among the six names from within the system added to the 40-man roster were high-end infield prospects Miguel Andujar and Jorge Mateo. Also included on the roster was right-hander Zack Littell, acquired from the Mariners on Friday for lefty reliever James Pazos.

Eovaldi, who was arbitration eligible and likely to pull down about $7 million for next season while not pitching, went 9-8 with a 4.76 ERA in 24 games (21 starts)…