Yankees acquire RHP A.J. Cole from Nationals for cash

NEW YORK (AP) - The New York Yankees have acquired pitcher A.J. Cole from the Washington Nationals, hoping the once-promising righty can find his rhythm in a new place.

The Yankees got Cole for $75,000, a move they announced Monday night following a 14-1 win over Minnesota. Right-hander David Hale was designated for assignment after pitching two scoreless innings to finish off the rout.

The 26-year-old Cole was cut by the Nationals on Friday. He was 1-1 with a 13.06 ERA in four games.

Cole won the fifth spot in the rotation out of spring training but was tagged by Atlanta for 10 runs in 3 2/3 innings in his first start. He made one more start, then was shifted to the bullpen when Jeremy Hellickson joined the Nationals.

The 6-foot-5 Cole is 5-8 with a 5.32 ERA in parts of four seasons with Washington.

Hellickson was signed less than two weeks before opening day. Once he became available after an extended spring, he was added to Washington's roster and Cole became expendable.

Hellickson has made two starts for the Nationals and kept them in the game both times.

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