With left-handed starting pitcher Andy Pettitte officially returning for one more season, the New York Yankees needed to create room on their roster due to the numbers game. According to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News, the team has designated Eli Whiteside for assignment, opening up a roster spot for Pettitte's return.

To make room for Pettitte on the roster, the Yankees designated recently-signed Eli Whiteside for assignment.

The transaction starts a ten-day clock for GM Brian Cashman to trade, release or outright Whiteside to the minor leagues.

The Yankees recently acquired Whiteside after claiming him off of waivers from the San Francisco Giants. New York and the catcher also avoided arbitration soon after, agreeing to a one-year deal.

At 33 years of age, Whiteside had spent the last four seasons with the Giants organization. In bits and pieces of a five-year career at the major leagues, he's batted .215/.273/.335 in 537 plate appearances at the major league level.