Yankees Return Rule 5 Draft Pick Jamie Hoffmann Back to Dodgers

Thought to be the possible fourth outfielder on the Yankee bench to start the season, Rule 5 draft pick Jamie Hoffmann struggled in Spring Training, to say the least.

Hoffmann was returned to the Dodgers today, after being taken as the first overall pick in the Rule 5 Draft in December. Hoffmann hit just .130 (3-22) as a Yankee this spring. The Yankees traded RP Brian Bruney and $25,000 to the Nationals for the first pick in the draft.

The four remaining outfielders at Yankee camp are the front-runner, Marcus Thames who is batting just .107 (3-28), the speedy Greg Golson (.300 [6-20] 1 HR 5 RBI), David Winfree, and non-roster invitee Jon Weber, who leads the team with a .571 average (12-21). Weber, however, is a lefty (as are Granderson and Gardner), making his chances less likely.

Other notes: Jason Hirsh and Dustin Moseley were sent to Minor League camp. Along with them go infielders Reegie Corona, Brandon Laird, Eduardo Nunez and Jorge Vazquez

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