Yankees sign Rees, Rodriguez from Israel Baseball League

NEW YORK -- The New York Yankees have signed two players from the Israel Baseball League to minor league deals.

Outfielder Jason Rees and catcher Eladio Rodriguez took part in the IBL's first season this year.

Rees hit .362 with a league-leading 17 homers and 50 RBI for the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox. Rodriguez led the league with a .461 batting average for the Modiin Miracle.

Rees, 23, is from Newcastle, Australia, and the 28-year-old Rodriguez, a former Red Sox minor leaguer, is a native of the Dominican Republic.

The Yankees announced the signings on Wednesday.