Yankees Get Garcia, Miceli

In one trade, the New York Yankees bolstered two weak spots: their bench and bullpen.

New York acquired outfielder Karim Garcia and pitcher Dan Miceli from the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday for a player to be named or future cash considerations.

Garcia will give the Yankees a left-handed-hitting platoon player. Miceli is expected to solidify New York’s middle relief, which has been shaky all season.

On Tuesday night, Yankee relievers gave up five runs in the eighth inning to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, continuing a problem that has plagued the Yankees since opening day.

“That’s been our glaring weakness as far as experience coming out of the bullpen with the injuries we’ve had,” Manager Joe Torre said. “I like Miceli’s aggressiveness and his stuff. Hopefully he can give us three, four, five outs.”

To make room on the roster, the Yankees designated pitcher Mike Thurman and outfielder Charles Gipson for assignment.

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Texas outfielder Juan Gonzalez was held out of the Ranger lineup again Wednesday night as he considered whether to accept or reject a trade that would send him to the Montreal Expos.

Despite assertions by his attorney that he would probably invoke the no-trade clause in his contract, Gonzalez said he hasn’t made that determination.

“I haven’t decided,” Gonzalez said after taking batting practice before Wednesday night’s game against Oakland.

Gonzalez has until Saturday morning to make his decision. He said he wasn’t sure when he would decide.

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Baltimore removed struggling left-hander Omar Daal from the rotation and replaced him with Pat Hentgen.... Tampa Bay optioned rookie right-hander Dewon Brazelton to Class-A Bakersfield and recalled infielder Antonio Perez from triple-A Durham.... Cincinnati pitcher Paul Wilson was suspended for five games and Chicago Cub pitcher Kyle Farnsworth was penalized three games for their fight during a game last week. Wilson, Farnsworth and Red infielder Russell Branyan were fined undisclosed amounts.... Jose Vizcaino’s broken left wrist will require surgery, and the Houston infielder will be sidelined about eight weeks, the team announced.... Giant outfielder Marvin Benard will have arthroscopic surgery Friday to remove torn cartilage in his left knee.