NEW YORK -- With Chase Headley still sidelined by a sore right calf, Cole Figueroa made his New York Yankees' debut in a series finale against Oakland.
New York selected Figueroa's contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday, and he batted ninth and played third base.
Infielder Jose Pirela was optioned to Scranton, and the Yankees cleared a spot on their 40-man roster by designating outfielder Taylor Dugas for assignment.
The 28-year-old Figueroa hit .233 with six RBI in 23 games last year with Tampa Bay, his only previous major league experience. The Yankees signed him to a minor league contract during the offseason, and he hit .317 with three homers and 36 RBI in 77 games at Scranton.
"He's been swinging the bat extremely well," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "He's versatile, where he can play third, short or second."
Headley missed his second straight game because of the calf. Girardi hopes he can return for the weekend series at Boston.
"He feels much better today," Girardi said. "I was really encouraged by the way he said he felt today."
Infielder Brendan Ryan, on the disabled list with a strained back that has sidelined him since June 21, went 1 for 3 for Scranton on Thursday in an injury rehabilitation assignment and is to play for Double-A Trenton on Friday.