Kearns was removed from left field during Friday's game and told of the trade.
View full sizeAustin Kearns was batting .268 with eight homers and 42 RBI for the Indians.Updated: 10:40 p.m.
TORONTO — The Indians traded outfielder Austin Kearns to the New York Yankees on Friday.
Kearns, who was playing left field against the Blue Jays, was removed from the game after a seventh-inning single.
The Indians will receive a player to be announced or cash from New York. GM Mark Shapiro said they will get the player by Aug. 20.
"It will be a prospect with major league value," said Shapiro.
He said there is a limited number of players on the list.
Said Kearns, following an 8-1 loss to Toronto, "I thought something might be up when they took me out of the game. I've been traded once before and you never know when it's coming."
Kearns doubled and singled Friday before being replaced by pinch-runner Chris Gimenez.
He made the Indians out of spring training. He went into Friday's game hitting .268 with eight homers and 42 RBI.
"I've got a soft spot for this guy," said manager Manny Acta. "He played for me in Washington and he came to camp this spring for the first time without a guaranteed job.
"He made the club and he carried this club for about a month or so when Grady Sizemore got hurt and some of our other older guys weren't performing. I'm glad he's getting a chance to go to a contender at this stage of his career and maybe win a ring."
The deadline for making deals without waivers if 4 p.m. Saturday.
Kearns contract with the Indians is worth $750,000.