Yankees claim INF Jeter Downs off waivers

Named after New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter, infielder Jeter Downs is now a member of the Hall of Famer's organization after he was claimed off waivers Tuesday from the Washington Nationals.

Downs, 25, played in six games with the Nationals in 2023, batting 2-for-5 with one RBI and two stolen bases. Washington claimed him off waivers from the Boston Red Sox last December.

Downs was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round (No. 32 overall) of the 2017 draft, then was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers the following year. He was acquired by the Red Sox in the 2020 deal that sent Mookie Betts to the Dodgers.

Over parts of two seasons with the Red Sox (2022) and Nationals, Downs has hit .182 (8-for-44) with one double, one home run, five RBIs and two stolen bases in 20 games.