Yankees claim catcher Eli Whiteside off waivers from Giants

The New York Yankees claimed catcher Eli Whiteside, who will likely compete for a backup role, off waivers Monday.

The New York Yankees announced Monday that they have claimed catcher Eli Whiteside off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.

Whiteside, who will likely compete with Chris Stewart and Francisco Cervelli for a backup role in 2013, had one hit and one walk in 14 plate appearances for the Giants in 2012. He hit .224/.296/.303 in 229 plate appearances with Triple-A Fresno.

Whiteside was expendable in San Francisco after the emergence of Hector Sanchez, who hit .280/.295/.390 in 227 plate appearances at the age of 22.

The Yankees are still expected to search for a regular starter at catcher, with 2012 starter Russell Martin a free agent this offseason.

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