Astros claimed INF-OF Brandon Laird off waivers from the Yankees. Laird, the younger brother of Tigers' catcher Gerald Laird, was hitting .254/.307/.414 with 15 homers and 77 RBI though 130 games in his third season for the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate. It's a nice gamble for the Astros to take, as the 24-year-old could develop into a solid utility player at the major league level.

Yankees designated INF-OF Brandon Laird for assignment. The younger brother of Tigers catcher Gerald Laird was batting just .254 with a .307 on-base percentage in 130 games this season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre. He could draw some interest on waivers because he's only 24 years old but Brandon is far from prospect status.

Yankees optioned INF-OF Brandon Laird to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Laird was 2-for-17 with five strikeouts this spring in the Grapefruit League. The 24-year-old utilityman should see action in the big leagues at some point this year.

Yankees recalled INF-OF Brandon Laird from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Laird has been given only six at-bats this season on the major league level and probably won't see many more opportunities this month. He's simply bench depth.

Yankees optioned INF/OF Brandon Laird to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He was sent down to make room for Eric Chavez's return from the disabled list. Laird went 1-for-6 with an RBI and a run scored in his first taste of the big leagues. He'll likely be back as a September call-up.

Yankees recalled INF/OF Brandon Laird from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He'll replace the injured Ramiro Pena on the active roster. Laird, 23, was batting .266/.296/.415 with 10 homers and 49 RBI over 362 plate appearances at the Triple-A level this season. Eduardo Nunez has been shaky defensively at third base, so Laird could sneak some playing time if he swings the bat well in his first taste of the bigs.