by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/2/2013) After a horrid April in which he hit .103 in 13 games, Yankees outfielder Ben Francisco homered in his first May game Wednesday against the Astros. The Yankees hope Francisco's home run is a sign of good things to come.
"We hope that it gets him going because we are pretty left-handed and we could use some of those right-handed bats to step up," manager Joe Girardi said, per the New York Daily News. "We don't worry too much about our left-handers against left-handers, but it's nice to give them a day off once in a while. And if there are some splits that you can really take advantage, you want him to hit."
Ben Francisco to remain in normal role for now
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/23/2013) Yankees outfielder Ben Francisco has struggled with his role as designated hitter against left-handed pitching, MLB.com reports Tuesday. But manager Joe Girardi said he'd stick with him.
Girardi believes "Francisco has hit some balls pretty decent" lately. Of course, Girardi also acknowledged that the lineup is dearly missing guys like Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira against lefties.
Francisco started for the third time in the last four games -- all against left-handed starters -- Tuesday in Tampa Bay. Entering Tuesday, he was batting .091 without an extra-base hit or RBI with seven strikeouts in 22 at-bats.
Ben Francisco trying to get first hit
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/17/2013) The Yankees started Ben Francisco as the designated hitter and No. 5 batter Wednesday against Arizona. Francisco has started two of the last three games with left-handed starters on the mound for the opposition.
Francisco, a career .250 hitter against lefties, entered play Wednesday having started the season 0 for 8 with a walk and three strikeouts.
Ben Francisco's New York debut comes as DH
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) Yankees outfielder Ben Francisco drew the start at DH in his New York debut during Monday's season opener vs. Boston. Unfortunately, Francisco was lifted for Travis Hafner in the sixth inning.
Francisco was 0 for 1 with one walk before leaving the game. He left two runners on base.
Ben Francisco to break camp with Yankees
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/29/2013) The Yankees have purchased the contract of outfielder Ben Francisco from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Francisco is hitting .308/.390/.635 with three home runs and nine RBI in 52 at-bats this spring.
Yankees finalizing roster
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/28/2013) The Yankees released Juan Rivera Thursday. Rivera met with reporters after being released and said he was told Lyle Overbay will play first base in Mark Teixeira's absence and Ben Francisco earned the spot on the roster as the fourth outfielder.
Ben Francisco homers twice for Yankees
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/23/2013) Yankees outfielder Ben Francisco hit his first two home runs of Grapefruit League play Saturday, although the Yankees ultimately lost 10-6 to the Tigers. Francisco also walked to raise his spring line to .350/.435/.700 in 46 plate appearances. His big spring performance likely means he'll make the opening-day roster, and he could see quite a bit of time in left field while Curtis Granderson recuperates.
Francisco finds work fast
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/11/2013) It's didn't take long for Ben Francisco to be gainfully employed again. Hours after being released by the Indians on Monday, Francisco signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees. General manager Brian Cashman said Francisco will compete for a spot on the roster as a right-handed bat in the outfield.
Indians release Francisco
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/11/2013) The Indians released outfielder Ben Francisco Monday.
Francisco back with Indians
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (1/21/2013) The Indians announced Monday they signed free agent outfielder Ben Francisco to a minor-league contract and invited him to spring training.
