TAMPA — The Yankees have agreed to a one-year minor league deal with a team option, with right-handed reliever Andrew Bailey. The former A’s closer, who spent the last two years in the Boston bullpen, will attend major league camp.
The option is based on game appearances and games finished.
Bailey, a Voorhees, N.J., native who played college ball at Wagner, racked up 75 saves in 137 appearances (174 innings) with a 2.07 ERA over his first three major league seasons, all in Oakland.
But Bailey, 29, has battled injuries with the Red Sox the past two years, appearing in just 49 games (44 innings) with 14 saves and a 4.91 ERA.
He started the 2012 season on the disabled list with a right thumb injury and did not make his Red Sox debut until Aug. 14.
After beginning the 2013 season as a middle reliever, he took over the closer role just a few weeks into the season, when Joel Hanrahan was injured. He appeared in 30 games and recorded eight saves before being sidelined with a torn capsule and damaged labrum in his right shoulder and was done for the year.
In his five years in the majors, he has a 2.64 ERA with 89 saves in 106 chances.
Alfonso Soriano missed his third straight day of work Saturday, and the streak will grow to four Sunday.
Sidelined since the first day of full-squad workouts with the flu, Soriano appeared to improve Friday, when he did some exercises in the workout room. But when the Yankees worked out Saturday, Soriano was indoors.
Manager Joe Girardi said the outfielder/DH was going to be re-evaluated and “you won’t see him [Sunday].’’
Girardi said the illness still is being called the flu.
“We thought he was getting better, and [Friday night] he got worse again,” the manager said.
Cuban shortstop Aledmys Diaz could decide by Monday what major league team he is going to join.
“We are shooting for that,’’ agent Jaime Torres said Saturday. “More clubs are interested than expected.’’
Diaz, 23, and right-handed pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne, 27 in April, worked out for the Yankees on Friday at the minor league complex, and Torres said the Yankees were “interested’’ in each.
Despaigne has a showcase in Arizona this coming week, but Diaz is done working out for clubs, according to Torres.
Industry sources believe Diaz is looking for a deal upward of $20 million.
Jorge Posada arrived in camp as a “celebratory coach’’ and worked with catchers during drills.
Manny Banuelos, who missed all of last year after Tommy John surgery, threw batting practice.
“He looked good, but obviously when you miss a year you will look a bit rusty,’’ Girardi said of the lefty starter, who will open the season in the minors.
Nelson Cruz’s addition to the Orioles’ lineup made the AL East more difficult to navigate.
“He is a very good player and adds to their lineup. He gives them another right-handed bat and he has been a run producer,’’ Girardi said. “I am sure they are excited about the moves they have made in the last 24 hours.’’
In addition to giving Cruz $8 million for one year, Baltimore signed right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez to a four-year, $50 million deal.
“It makes them better is what it does,’’ Girardi said. “Our division gets tougher … every year, and you expect it to be very tough this year.’’
Tyler Austin, a 22-year-old minor league outfielder who some believe has a big league future, was shut down Saturday with a sore right wrist. Austin dealt with a problem in that wrist last season, when he played 83 games at Double-A Trenton and hit .257.
Reliever Jim Miller battled a calf injury and lefty Nik Turley’s arm was tight after a bullpen session.
Girardi avoided discussing Jesus Montero arriving in Mariners camp vastly overweight and testing the patience of the team brass.
“You are always somewhat surprised why things happen. I think Lloyd [McLendon, manager] said it best: “You worry about the guys in your camp.’’
That produced a laugh since McLendon scolded Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long for talking about Robinson Cano not running hard to first base as a Yankee.
Girardi is expected to announce the first turn through the starting rotation Sunday.
He also is toying with the idea of playing some of the regulars against Florida State on Tuesday at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
“I think we will put a few in there. We have to see where they are,’’ Girardi said. “Get them one at-bat and get them going.’’
The Yankees will spend Monday afternoon away from GMS as they attend a team-bonding exercise. The event is expected to be a pool tournament.