Yankees Place Star Outfielder on Waivers

It sounds like this spark plug could be on his way out from the Bronx.

Just hours after releasing third baseman Josh Donaldson, the New York Yankees placed center fielder Harrison Bader on waivers.

Bader, who will be a free agent after the season ends, will now be eligible to sign with a playoff contender and be eligible for a postseason roster prior to the September 1 deadline.

This season, Bader has spent two separate stints on the injured list. When healthy, he has played in 82 games, slashing .242/.279/.370 with a .649 OPS, seven home runs and 37 RBIs.

The Yankees acquired Bader from the St. Louis Cardinals for Jordan Montgomery at the trade deadline last season. Bader began his Yankee career on the IL with plantar fasciitis, but came back to play hero in the postseason by slugging five home runs.

This year, Bader strained his oblique in Spring Training, which knocked him out until May. A few weeks later he strained his hamstring and missed three weeks of action.

Bader is set to hit the open market this winter, and it is unknown if the Yankees will re-sign him to a long-term deal. His Yankee career started off better than it has finished, if this is the end for him in the Bronx.

Time will tell whether Bader is re-signed by the Yankees. But for now, he will likely be another team by Friday having been placed on waivers.