Yankees demote Brennan Boesch, call up Brett Marshall

The New York Yankees demoted outfielder Brennan Boesch to Triple-A after the first game of a double-header against the Indians Monday. Taking his roster spot will be reliever Brett Marshall, according to Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger.

The move likely serves two purposes for the Yankees. The team needed an extra arm in the bullpen in case of emergency during the second game of the double-header. During the early game, New York used two relievers in a 1-0 loss. Those two--Boone Logan and Preston Claiborne--are likely unavailable for the late game.

In addition, the move opens up a spot in the outfield for the soon-to-return Curtis Granderson. Granderson, who has hit over 40 home runs each of the past two seasons, has been out since spring training with a fractured right forearm. He has been hitting very well on a minor league rehab stint and could be activated from the disabled list as early as Tuesday.

Boesch, 28, has appeared in 19 games this season as a backup outfielder, hitting .205 with a .680 OPS. He has collected just two hits since April 17. All his playing time this season came in either right field or at designated hitter.

Marshall, 23, was the Yankees sixth round draft choice in 2008 and has worked almost exclusively as a starter in his time with the organization. He has not had good results in Triple-A this season, posting a 4.60 ERA and a 1.723 WHIP. If he does pitch in a game while with the Yankees, it will be his Major League debut.

Marshall or Vidal Nuno, who started the second game on Monday, are the likely candidates to be sent back to the minors upon Granderson's return.