Swisher signs minor league deal with Yankees

TORONTO (AP) Nick Swisher has signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees and is expected to join Triple-A Scranton on Thursday.

The 35-year-old infielder/outfielder, who played for the Yankees from 2009 to 2012, was released by Atlanta late in spring training. He has been slowed the past couple years by knee problems.

''He was a good player here,'' Yankees manager Joe Girardi said before Wednesday's game at Toronto. ''He's had a couple of frustrating years, years that have been plagued with some injuries. We're curious to see what he's got left.''

Girardi said he expects Swisher to play both outfield and first base at Scranton.

Before signing on Wednesday, Swisher worked out last weekend at New York's minor league complex in Tampa, Florida.

''He brings a lot of life wherever he's at, that's for sure,'' Girardi said. ''He brings a lot of energy and he's always been that way.''