Yankees designate Carpenter to clear spot for Tanaka

SEATTLE (AP) The New York Yankees have designated for assignment right-handed reliever David Carpenter to clear a spot on the 25-man roster for the return of starter Masahiro Tanaka.

The Yankees made the roster move on Wednesday before Tanaka's return to the mound against the Seattle Mariners. Tanaka hasn't pitched since April 23 when he landed on the 15-day disabled list with wrist tendinitis and a forearm strain.

Carpenter was 0-1 with a 4.82 ERA. He made 22 appearances for the Yankees and pitched in relief in Tuesday's extra innings victory over Seattle. Working mostly in the seventh inning, Carpenter allowed four of nine inherited runners to come around and score.

Manager Joe Girardi said Carpenter couldn't get on a roll and ''at times it was a struggle.''