Brandon McCarthy dealt to New York Yankees

Brandon McCarthy #32 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game at PNC Park on July 3, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

By Charles Rich, <em><a href=”mailto:charles.rich@latimes.com”> charles.rich@latimes.com</a></em>

July 7, 2014 2:40 PM PT

Looking to shore up their severely depleted starting pitching staff, the New York Yankees acquired Glendale native Brandon McCarthy from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday in exchange for pitcher Vidal Nuno.

McCarthy, who turned 31 on Monday, could make his debut with New York as early as Wednesday against the host Cleveland Indians.

“It’s something I’m really excited about,” McCarthy told the Associated Press. “It’s still the Yankees, no matter what. If you don’t know baseball, you know the Yankees.

“I feel like I’m in a good place now. I’ve kind of changed up the way I’m attacking recently, and there are some positives I’ve started to see. I still feel like I’ve thrown the ball well this year.”

The right-hander compiled a 3-10 record and a 5.01 earned-run average in 18 appearances this season for the last-place Diamondbacks, but has won two straight starts. McCarthy won his last start Thursday, going 5 2/3 innings and allowing two runs in a 10-2 road victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s struck out 93 and walked just 20 in 109 2/3 innings this season.

The 6-foot-7 McCarthy, who previously played for the Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics before signing a two-year free-agent contract with Arizona prior to the 2013 season, is 45-60 lifetime with a 4.21 ERA.

The Yankees have three starters — CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova and Michael Pineda — currently on the disabled list. Nova is out for the rest of the season and will likely miss most of next season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Sabathia is likely sidelined for this season with a knee injury and it’s not clear when Pineda might return after suffering a strained back muscle. Arizona will reportedly pay about half of McCarthy’s remaining $4.1 million salary and the Yankees will pay McCarthy’s $1 million signing bonus.

New York Manager Joe Girardi said McCarthy will look to help upgrade the starting rotation for the Yankees, who compete in the American League’s East Division.

“McCarthy is an experienced starter, that we expect to pitch well for us,” Girardi told the Associated Press. “I know he’s had his struggles, but he’s seemed to turn it around. He has a good arm. His last few starts have been pretty good.”

Follow Charles Rich on Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich.