Josh Spence Claimed By Yankees

The Padres officially lost LHP Josh Spence, when he was claimed off of waivers by the New York Yankees. The Padres designated the lefty for assignment earlier in the week, in order to open up room on the 40-man roster.

Spence, 24, was the Padres 9th round pick in 2010 and made his ML debut the next year. Spence had a solid 2011 campaign, when he posted a 2.73 ERA in 40 games. He spent most of 2012 in AAA.

May 11, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Josh Spence (44) delivers to the plate during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Padres 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

The loss of Spence does not come as a surprise. He is young, cheap and left-handed. Left-handed hitters are hitting just .158 off of Spence in his short Major League career. It would not be surprising to see Spence crack the Yankees roster on Opening Day.