Thames the breaks: Bombers passed on Brewers’ revelation

With Alex Rodriguez no longer in the DH picture after batting .200 in 65 games and being released last Aug. 13, the Yankees were in the market for his replacement in the offseason.

Among the hitters they had contact with was Eric Thames, who was looking to return to the big leagues after spending three seasons punishing pitchers in Korea.

“We talked to his agent, but the financial considerations weren’t a match,’’ general manager Brian Cashman said of the 30-year-old Thames, a lefty swinging first baseman/outfielder.

Thames, a 39th-round pick of the Yankees in 2007 when he was a sophomore eligible out of Pepperdine who didn’t sign, inked a three-year deal with the Brewers in November for $16 million. In early December, the Yankees signed 37-year-old Matt Holliday to a one-year contract for $13 million to be their DH.

Holliday is hitting .227 (10-for44) with two homers and eight RBIs in 13 games. He missed two games last weekend with back stiffness and has been lauded for his leadership qualities in the clubhouse.

Two weeks into his return to the big leagues — Thames played for the Blue Jays and Mariners in 2011 and 2012 and three minor league teams in 2013 — the 6-foot, 210-pounder was batting .408 with seven homers and 12 RBIs going into Thursday night’s BrewersCardinals game.

“It looks like they got a bargain,’’ Cashman said of the Brewers. “Good for them.’’

The Yankees have a plan for Didi Gregorius’ rehab assignment, which starts Friday night for Single-A Tampa, but Cashman isn’t ready to divulge the length of it.

“We have one mapped out, but I wouldn’t say it publicly because then it becomes why is it shorter or longer if that happens,’’ Cashman said. “We put the schedule together three weeks ago. So far everything is progressing.’’

Gregorius injured his right shoulder making a double-play pivot throw while playing second base for the Netherlands in the WBC in March.