Francisco was released by the Diamondbacks on Sunday, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports. Francisco played independent ball in 2014, after struggling during a brief stint with the Yankees in 2013. Now 33 years old, he apparently didn't warrant consideration for the Diamondbacks' Opening Day roster.

Francisco signed a minor league deal with the Diamondbacks on Monday, Matt Eddy of Baseball America reports. Francisco spent 2014 in independent baseball with the Lancaster Barnstormers, but will receive a shot to play in the minors in the Diamondbacks organization. There is no indication that the deal includes an invite to spring training, but it is a possibility. The 33-year-old last played in the majors in 2013, batting .114/.220/.182 in 21 games with the Yankees.

Padres signed OF Ben Francisco to a minor league contract, assigned him to Triple-A Tucson. Francisco was released by the Yankees earlier this month after batting just .114/.220/.182 in 50 plate appearances. He'll provide some depth in the minors.

Yankees released OF Ben Francisco. Francisco was designated for assignment by the Yankees late last month and will now seek an opportunity elsewhere. The 31-year-old batted just .114/.220/.182 in 50 plate appearances with New York.

Yankees designated OF Ben Francisco for assignment. The move was made in order to clear room on the roster for David Huff. Francisco was given a decent chance at playing time given the Yankees' injuries, but he failed to take advantage in putting up a horrid .114/.220/.182 batting line. He'll likely clear waivers but should draw some interest if he doesn't want to report to Triple-A.

Ben Francisco went 0-for-4 as the Yankees' No. 2 hitter in Monday's loss. Francisco had a nice spring, but then the Yankees gave him four at-bats in two weeks and he's been useless since his role expanded a week ago. What makes the usage especially odd as he hasn't had even one start in the outfield (he's played a total of three innings there). If the Yankees aren't going to put him to use there, they should be able to find a better bat for his bench spot.

Ben Francisco is serving as the Yankees' designated hitter in Monday's season-opener against the Red Sox. The Yankees are limping into the 2013 regular season. Brett Gardner is leading off and playing center, and is followed by Eduardo Nunez (SS), Robinson Cano (2B), Kevin Youkilis (1B), Vernon Wells (LF), Francisco (DH), Ichiro Suzuki (RF), Jayson Nix (3B) and Francisco Cervelli (C). CC Sabathia will be on the bump.

Yankees purchased the contract of OF Ben Francisco from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Francisco latched on with the Yankees earlier this month after he was given his release by the Indians. He's likely to get at-bats in left field against left-handed pitching, but that doesn't leave much room for fantasy value.

Ben Francisco hit his first two homers of the spring Saturday versus the Tigers. Francisco, who was signed to a minor league contract on March 11, is 14-for-40 with 10 extra-base hits in 18 games for the Indians and Yankees this spring. He's likely to make the Bombers as a left fielder against left-handers.

Yankees signed OF Ben Francisco to a minor league contract. Francisco requested and was granted his release from the Indians in order to pursue what it a better opportunity for him. He should have no trouble earning a roster spot and could receive a good amount of playing time in left field while Curtis Granderson is sidelined.