Hinskes versatility will be a plus for Yankees - Details

New York Yankees general manager said there are a lot of benefits to having Eric Hinske, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday for a pair of minor league players.

Cashman told the New York Times: "He knows his role. He can help us at third, first, left, right, D.H. He can pinch-hit, and thats a difficult thing, to be used to doing something like that and handling it. And hes a pro. Hes been through the trenches in the American League East."

In a broader sense, Hinske is taking the place of outfielder Xavier Nady, who was on track to return this week before reinjuring his elbow last Thursday and ending his season. The Yankees had already been counting on having a more experienced bat on the bench, and in Hinske, they get the bonus of a player who can still play third base, the Times reported.