BOSTON -- The New York Yankees acquired outfielder John Vander Wal from the San Francisco Giants on Thursday for right-hander Jay Witasick.

	Vander Wal

	Witasick

Vander Wal, acquired from Pittsburgh in July, hit .270 with 14 homers and 70 RBI last season for the Pirates and Giants. He will likely split time in the outfield with Shane Spencer in New York.

Witasick came to the Yankees from San Diego in June as one of the many relievers New York tried to use to replace Jeff Nelson. He struggled at times, going 3-0 with a 4.69 ERA.

Witasick made one outing in the World Series against Arizona, allowing nine runs and 10 hits in 1 1/3 innings.

Overall last season, Witasick went 8-2 with a 3.30 ERA. He ranked third among relievers with 12.08 strikeouts per nine innings, trailing only Houston's Octavio Dotel (13.71) and Nelson (12.12).

"Jay gives us another quality arm in our bullpen," Giants general manager Brian Sabean said. "He's a durable pitcher with a power arm who's going to help bridge the gap from our starters to one of the best closers in the game."

Witasick joins a bullpen that has closer Robb Nen, Felix Rodriguez, Jason Christiansen, Aaron Fultz and Tim Worrell.

Witasick was expendable from New York when the Yankees signed righty Steve Karsay last Friday to a $22.25 million, four-year deal.