Yankees demote center fielder Cabrera and cut Sexson

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The struggling New York Yankees shook up their roster on Friday, demoting center fielder Melky Cabrera to the minor leagues and releasing first baseman Richie Sexson.

The club said infielder Cody Ransom and rookie outfielder Brett Gardner, recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, would take their places.

Beaten in 12 of their last 18 outings, the Yankees trail American League East leaders Tampa Bay by 9.5 games and are 6.5 games behind World Series champion Boston Red Sox.

Cabrera, 24, was batting .242 with eight home runs and 36 RBI in 117 games.

Sexson was designated for assignment after being picked up by the Yankees in July following his release by the Seattle Mariners. The slugger batted .250 with one home run and six RBI in 28 at-bats since joining the club.

New York also put right-hander Dan Giese on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder problem.

The Yankees (64-57) host the Kansas City Royals later on Friday.

(Writing by Larry Fine, editing by Tony Jimenez)