Yankees add righty Cole to pitching staff

The New York Yankees have acquired pitcher A.J. Cole from

the Washington Nationals, hoping the once-promising righthander can find his rhythm in a new place. The Yankees got Cole for US$75,000, a move they announced Monday following a 14-1 win over the Minnesota Twins. Right-hander David Hale was designated for assignment after pitching two scoreless innings to finish off the rout. The 26-year-old Cole was cut by the Nationals on Friday. He was 1-1 with a 13.06 ERA in four games. Cole won the fifth spot in the Nationals’ rotation out of spring training, but was shifted to the bullpen after struggling. The six-foot-five Cole went 5-8 with a 5.32 ERA in four seasons with Washington.