Yankees release David Adams

The New York Yankees have released infielder David Adams to make room on their 40-man roster for new acquisition Vernon Wells, reports Sweeney Murti of WFAN.

Adams, 25, missed a large portion of the 2010 and 2011 seasons with a bad ankle fracture, but was able to come back strong last year. He spent the whole of 2012 in Double-A Trenton where he hit .306/.385/.450 with eight home runs in 86 games.

Yankees acquire Wells

In an apparent act of desperation, the Yankees have traded for Angels outfielder Vernon

A second baseman for much of his pro career, the Yankees moved Adams over to third base partway through 2012 -- likely because Robinson Cano is locked in at the position for the foreseeable future -- and he was expected to start the season at the hot corner from their Triple-A club.

Adams and his ankle injury are somewhat infamous for putting an end to the Yankees' bid to acquire Cliff Lee in July of 2010. The Mariners discovered Adams' ankle fracture while going over his medical reports, halting discussions between the two clubs. Lee eventually went to the Rangers in exchange for Justin Smoak and others.

While Adams is a little on the older side for making his Triple-A debut, he shouldn't have much trouble finding a new home considering the numbers he put up last season.

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