Yankees designate Soriano for reassignment

The New York Yankees’ reunion with Alfonso Soriano is likely over after the team designated the struggling outfielder for assignment on Sunday.

Soriano returned to New York midway through last season and sparked the offense with 17 home runs in 58 games.

But Soriano hit just .221 this season with six homers and 23 RBIs in 67 games.

His playing time decreased considerably this year after New York signed Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran in the offseason. He recently has been splitting time in right field with Ichiro Suzuki since Beltran was injured and is now limited to designated hitter.

But the slugger who started his major league career with the Yankees in 1999 and has 412 career homers has not connected since May 17 and has struck out 71 times in 226 at-bats.

The 38-year-old Soriano is in the final year of an eight-year, $136 million deal he signed with the Chicago Cubs, who are paying $13 million of his $18 million salary this year. The Yankees have 10 days to trade or place Soriano on unconditional waivers. If he clears waivers, New York can release him.

Yankees acquire RHP McCarthy

The New York Yankees bolstered their rotation by acquiring veteran right-hander Brandon McCarthy from Arizona.

The Diamondbacks also are sending New York cash in the deal for left-hander Vidal Nuno.

The move comes after Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia had a setback with a degenerative cartilage problem in his right knee.

McCarthy, who turns 31 on Monday, was 3-10 with a 5.01 ERA with Arizona this season. In nine seasons with the White Sox, Rangers, A’s and Diamondbacks, McCarthy is 45-60 with a 4.21 ERA.

Nuno, 26, was 2-5 with a 5.42 ERA in 17 games, including 14 starts, with the Yankees. Nuno was hurt by allowing 15 homers – including 13 at home – in 78 innings this season.

Around the League

The Indians placed center fielder Michael Bourn on the 15-day disabled list after he reinjured his left hamstring. Outfielder Tyler Holt was called up from Triple-A Columbus. … The Mets placed left-hander Jonathon Niese on the 15-day disabled list, hoping a brief rest will help fight fatigue in his shoulder. New York recalled reliever Buddy Carlyle from Triple-A Las Vegas.