NEW YORK – The New York Yankees have placed Ichiro Suzuki on waivers with the aim of trading the 40-year-old Japanese outfielder, according to a report from the New York Post.

If within 48 hours a team claims Ichiro, who is in the same boat as teammate Brendan Ryan, the Yankees can negotiate a trade with that team, pull him back or have the team assume the rest of his contract. If either of the players clears waivers, they can be freely traded until Aug. 31.

Ichiro, who batted ninth in Friday’s game against the Cleveland Indians, has seen less playing time in recent days.