With COVID cases and injuries galore it feels like for the Yankees, they've now added some veteran depth to the mix.

Matt Carpenter, the three-time All-Star infielder who's known for his time with the St. Louis Cardinals, has been signed to a major league deal and added to the active roster, the team announced Thursday.

"I told them, if they want me to load the bags on the plane, I'll do it," Carpenter told MLB.com's Bryan Hoch.

That just shows you how anxious Carpenter is to get back in the bigs.

This comes after Giancarlo Stanton was placed on the IL with ankle inflammation as well as Josh Donaldson still on the COVID-IL while also in the midst of appealing a one-game suspension.

Carpenter took a turn for the worse the last few seasons, hitting both the Mendoza line in 2020 and 2021. Last season with the Cards, he slashed .169/.305/.275 with three homers, 11 doubles and 21 RBI over 130 games. Not the type of stuff you want to see from a veteran.

However, Carpenter has been looking to fix his swing, and he's been with the Texas Rangers in Triple-A where he might have found the stroke again. Since April 17, he's owned a 1.173 OPS with six homers in 68 plate appearances.

That's why he asked Texas for his release last week and now the Yanks snatched him up.

Since he's added to the active roster, he can play whenever the Yanks deem him ready.

Also, in other roster moves, LHP Manny Banuelos has been added to the 26-man roster from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, while C Rob Brantly was sent down due to Kyle Higashioka being back from the COVID-IL.

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