NEW YORK — The New York Yankees have selected right-hander Josh Towers' contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and optioned reliever Mark Melancon to their top farm club.

The Yankees signed Towers to a minor league deal in May. He went 4-6 with a 3.42 ERA in 15 games, 14 starts, with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Reliever Damaso Marte, sidelined with left shoulder inflammation, was transferred to the 60-day disabled list to make room on the 40-man roster.

Melancon is 0-1 with a 3.18 ERA in nine games with New York this season.

Towers is 45-55 with a 4.96 ERA in 137 big league games. He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2007 with Toronto.