Yanks acquire A.J. Cole

             The New York Yankees have acquired RHP A.J. Cole from the Washington Nationals in exchange for cash considerations, and have DFA'd RHP David Hale.

             Lacking pitching depth to go behind sort starts, Cole is a starter/reliever they need, and they get him for a decent price. Cole was the 5th starter for the Nats after injuries, and could be a bargain for the Yanks.

             Cole, 26, has a 13.06 ERA with 10 strikeouts and a 2.13 WHIP in 10.1 innings for the Nats this year. In his MLB career, all in Washington, Cole has a 5.32 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 102 strikeouts in 110 innings.

             Hale, 30, made his Yankees and season debut yesterday, pitching two scoreless innings with three strikeouts. In his MLB career for the Yankees, Colorado Rockies and Atlanta Braves, Hale has a 4.43 ERA, with a 1.46 WHIP and 123 strikeouts in 180.2 innings.