9 P.M. EDIT: Spring Training is complete, and so is the Yankees’ 25-man roster. When the team begins regular-season play in Tampa on Friday, they will be carrying 13 position players and 12 pitchers.
On the mound, the last two spots on the staff went to David Phelps and Clay Rapada, who were recalled from Triple-A Empire State and signed to a Major League contract, respectively. Phelps will serve as the long relief man, and Rapada will be the lefty specialist - although his role may increase depending on the health of Boone Logan's back.
Among position players, the only "surprise" is at catcher, where newly-acquired Chris Stewart will back up Russell Martin. Stewart, who played one game with the Yankees in 2008, was acquired from San Francisco just before the 5 p.m. roster deadline in exchange for RHP George Kontos. With Stewart on board, last year's backup, Francisco Cervelli, was optioned to Triple-A.
The full official 2012 Opening Day roster:
PITCHERS (12): Freddy Garcia, Phil Hughes, Hiroki Kuroda, Boone Logan, Ivan Nova, David Phelps, Clay Rapada, Mariano Rivera, David Robertson, CC Sabathia, Rafael Soriano, Cory Wade
CATCHERS (2): Chris Stewart, Russell Martin
INFIELDERS (6): Robinson Cano, Eric Chavez, Derek Jeter, Eduardo Nunez, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira
OUTFIELDERS (5): Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson, Raul Ibanez, Andruw Jones, Nick Swisher
In addition, RHP Joba Chamberlain, RHP Brad Meyers, and C Austin Romine were placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26, while LHP Cesar Cabral and RHP Michael Pineda are on the 15-day DL retroactive to March 31.
Other late team notes:
-Non-roster invitee Bill Hall requested and was granted a release after being told he wasn't making the team. So, instead of being sent to the Minors, the utilityman will go home while looking for a Major League job elsewhere. The same could happen to catcher Gustavo Molina in the wake of Stewart's acquisition, as Cashman said the organization would speak with Molina about whether he would accept an assignment to Double-A Trenton or prefer a release.
-OF Justin Maxwell, who was out of Minor League options, was designated for assignment (which opened up a spot on the 40-man roster for Rapada). It is likely that he will be claimed by another team, but if he clears waivers, he can either elect free agency or agree to report to Triple-A Empire State.
-Pitcher Ramon Ortiz was signed to a Minor League deal late Wednesday. Ortiz, 39, is an 11-year MLB veteran who posted a 4.83 ERA in 33 1/3 innings for the Cubs last season, and could be a wildcard in the Yankees bullpen mix at some point in the near future.
