First baseman Andy Phillips today refused the Yankees’ outright assignment to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and became a free agent.

Phillips was designated for assignment Tuesday, when the Yankees needed to clear a roster spot for backup catcher Jose Molina, who finalized a $4 million, two-year contract.

Phillips batted .292 with two homers and 25 RBIs in 61 games for the Yankees. Promoted from Triple-A on June 19, he played extensively at first base in place of injured Doug Mientkiewicz.