The Yankees made a minor trade Monday, dealing left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. to Seattle for international signing bonus pool money.
Cortes appeared in 33 games for the Yankees last season, all but one out of the bullpen. He posted a 5-1 record with a 5.67 ERA and 69 strikeouts over 66 2/3 innings.
Cortes, 24, was designated for assignment, along with first baseman Greg Bird, last Wednesday to create room for several prospects on the team’s 40-man roster, the same day the Yankees released Jacoby Ellsbury.