Tyler Wade headed back to Yanks in deal with Angels

NEW YORK -- The Yankees have brought a familiar face back to the organization, acquiring infielder-outfielder Tyler Wade from the Angels on Thursday for a player to be named or cash considerations.

Wade has been assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

“We know Tyler Wade, we know what he brings to the table,” general manager Brian Cashman said. “He can play all the outfield positions, he can play all the infield positions. He’s a bolt of lightning on the basepaths, he can steal bases for you.”

The 27-year-old Wade, who spent the first five seasons of his career in New York before he was dealt to Los Angeles in the offseason, was designated for assignment by the Angels on July 3 before he was sent outright to Triple-A Salt Lake.

In 67 games with Los Angeles, the 27-year-old batted .218/.272/.272 with eight stolen bases and six extra-base hits.

“I thought he was a good organizational depth piece,” Cashman said. “So now we have more choices and we’re better protected as we start to navigate the rest of July, August and September -- and hopefully October. I think we’re a stronger, better organization today than we were yesterday because now we have more coverage.”

Over five seasons with the Yankees, Wade batted .212/.298/.307 with six home runs, 33 RBIs and 30 stolen bases in 264 games.

"I'm excited to get him back in the organization," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "Obviously the defensive versatility that he brings, his ability on the basepaths. He's not on the roster right now but I can certainly envision him at some point, if the need arises, to play a role for us -- and a significant one. I'm excited to get him back with us; he's been an important part of the team the last few years."