NEW YORK -- The New York Yankees added Juan Acevedo to their pitching staff Monday, seeking depth as they look to replace Ramiro Mendoza.

	Juan Acevedo Relief pitcher New York Yankees Profile
	2002 SEASON STATISTICS GM IP W-L SV SO ERA 65 74.2 1-5 28 43 2.65

Acevedo, who agreed to a minor-league contract, had a career-high 28 saves as the Detroit Tigers' closer last year. The 32-year-old right-hander went 1-5 with a 2.65 ERA

"Right now, it will be an uphill battle because of the numbers game," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "He knows he's got a little bit of a mountain to climb."

Acevedo is guaranteed $150,000 and would get a $900,000, one-year contract if he's added to the Yankees' major league roster. If he's added to the roster, New York also would get a $3 million option for 2004 with a $50,000 buyout.

In seven major league seasons, Acevedo has a 27-35 record and 47 saves and a 4.16 ERA with Colorado, the New York Mets, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Florida and Detroit.

Following the departures of Mendoza and Mike Stanton, New York's bullpen figures to have right-handers Steve Karsay and Antonio Osuna, and left-hander Chris Hammond as setup men for closer Mariano Rivera.

Also in the mix are right-hander Jeff Weaver and left-hander Sterling Hitchcock -- starters who may not be in the rotation -- and left-hander Randy Choate, who struggled for most of last season before improving in September.

Cashman isn't looking to Acevedo as a possible closer if Rivera gets hurt again.

"He's more insurance in the absence of a Mendoza than anything else," Cashman said.