The Yankees have reached a preliminary agreement with Richie Sexson on a deal, Newsday has confirmed. The Yankees are expected to add Sexson to their roster on Friday once they make a corresponding roster move.

Sexson cleared waivers after being designated for assignment by the Mariners last week, and the Yankees will only have to pay him the pro-rated major league minimum salary, as the Mariners must pay the rest of his $14-million salary for the season. With the growing likelihood that DH/outfielder Hideki Matsui will miss the remainder of the season, the Yankees needed another bat.