The Yankees claimed right-hander Luke Bard, who was designated for assignment by the Rays on Tuesday. He was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he’ll serve as bullpen depth.

The bullpen was a focus at the trade deadline for the Yankees, who picked up Lou Trivino from the Athletics and Scott Effross from the Cubs to help offset the loss of Chad Green and Michael King to elbow surgeries.

Bard, 31, pitched sparingly for Tampa Bay, but was effective. In eight relief appearances, Bard allowed three earned runs in 14 innings, with a WHIP of 1.00.

The Rays jettisoned Bard to open a roster spot for Garrett Cleavinger, a left-hander they acquired at the deadline.

Bard spent the first three years of his career with the Angels.

Right-hander Carlos Espinal, who was called up from SWB on Tuesday following the moves made at the trade deadline, was outrighted on Friday and sent back to SWB.