NEW YORK, July 31 (UPI) -- The New York Yankees confirmed Saturday they have acquired veteran Houston Astros slugger Lance Berkman and cash considerations in a trade.
Going to the Astros were pitcher Mark Melancon and minor league infielder Jimmy Paredes.
Berkman, 34, has spent his entire 12-year career with Houston. This season he is batting just .245 with 13 homers and 49 runs batted in through 85 games after beginning the year on the disabled list following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.
Berkman. a five-time All-Star, waived his his no-trade clause to accept the Yankees deal. He figures to be the Yanks' DH and possibly spell Mark Teixeira at first base.
Berkman, who is in the final year of a six-year contract paying him $14.5 million this season, boasts a career .296 batting average with a .410 on-base percentage, 326 homers and 1,090 RBI.
