Yankees designate Josh Spence for assignment

The New York Yankees have designated left-hander Josh Spence for assignment to make room on their roster for recently acquired corner infielder Kevin Youkilis, reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post:

According to #Yankees statement to make 40-man room for Youkilis designated LHP Josh Spence for assignment

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 14, 2012

The Yankees claimed Spence off waivers from the San Diego Padres in early Nov. The left-hander appeared in 11 games for the Padres last season, allowing five runs on 13 hits with five walks and 10 strikeouts over 10 1/3 innings.

Spence also appeared in 31 games, including four starts, for San Diego’s Triple-A affiliate last season. Over 49 1/3 innings he maintained an ERA of 4.20. In three seasons at the minor league level the 24-year-old owns a career ERA of 2.98 with 9.0 strikeouts and 2.8 walks per nine innings.

The Yankees signed Youkilis to a one-year, $12 million contract this week. He will become the team’s third baseman for at least the start of the 2013 campaign while Alex Rodriguez is sidelined due to his hip impingement. Youkilis could also spell Mark Teixeira at first base and be used as a right-handed designated hitter.