NEW YORK (AP) -Looking to bolster their bench, the New York Yankees acquired catcher Jose Molina from the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday night for minor league reliever Jeff Kennard.
Molina, a defensive specialist, was batting .228 with no homers and 10 RBIs in 123 at-bats for the AL West-leading Angels, who have a surplus of catchers.
Mike Napoli returned to their lineup Friday night after missing nearly three weeks with a sprained ankle. They also like 24-year-old Jeff Mathis.
Kennard was 1-4 with a 2.73 ERA in 31 relief appearances at Double-A Trenton. The right-hander was selected in the 40th round of the 2000 draft.
The Yankees, hoping to climb back into the AL East race, were seeking a better backup for All-Star catcher Jorge Posada. Wil Nieves began the day batting .138 with no home runs and six RBIs in 58 at-bats.
The deal comes 10 days before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
Molina is one of three brothers who are all major league catchers. Bengie Molina plays for the San Francisco Giants, and Yadier Molina for the St. Louis Cardinals.
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