Jun 18, 2008 4:15 PM EST

The New York Yankees announced today they have claimed right-handed pitcher Oneli Perez off waivers from the Cleveland Indians and optioned him to Double-A Trenton.

Perez, 24, has appeared in 21 games combined this season at Triple-A Charlotte (White Sox) and Triple-A Buffalo (Indians) to go 0-1 with two saves and an 8.49 ERA (29.2IP, 48H, 28ER, 17BB, 34K) in his first action at the Triple-A level. He was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the San Diego Padres in 2001 as a first baseman. Since converting to pitcher in 2003, Perez has gone 24-12 with 37 saves and a 2.65 ERA.

In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees transferred right-handed pitcher Jonathan Albaladejo (right elbow stress fracture) to the 60-day disabled list.

Via RealGM Staff Report