Yankees decline option on LHP Marte

Nov 6, 2008 - 9:26 PM BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- The New York Yankees on Thursday declined their 2009 option on lefthander Damaso Marte, making him a free agent.

Marte, whose option was worth $6 million, made 25 appearances last season with the Yankees, going 1-3 with a 5.40 ERA.

Marte, 33, and outfielder Xavier Nady were acquired by the Yankees from the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 26 in exchange for righthanders Ross Ohlendorf, Jeff Karstens and Daniel McCutchen and outfielder Jose Tabata.

In 72 combined relief appearances with the Pirates and Yankees in 2008, Marte was 5-3 with a 4.02 ERA, holding opponents to a .214 batting average.