Yanks demote Luke Bard, clear room for Clay Holmes

The New York Yankees optioned right-hander Luke Bard to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after his team debut on Sunday.

The move cleared a roster spot for the anticipated return Monday of reliever Clay Holmes from the injured list.

Bard, 31, pitched a scoreless inning of relief in New York's 4-1 loss at Oakland.

He was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Aug. 5 after going 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA in eight relief appearanc