The Yankees claimed right-hander Luke Bard, who was designated for assignment by the Rays on Tuesday. He was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he’ll serve as further bullpen depth.

The pen was a focus at the trade deadline for the Yankees, who picked up Lou Trivino from the A’s and Scott Effross from the Cubs to help offset the loss of Chad Green and Michael King to elbow surgery.

Bard, 31, pitched sparingly for Tampa Bay, but was effective.

[nypost.com]