NEW YORK (Reuters) - Power-hitting first baseman Richie Sexson, released last week by the Seattle Mariners, has signed with the New York Yankees, the American League club announced on Friday.

Sexson, 33, has a .261 career batting average and 305 career home runs, though he is coming off an off-form 2007 and a poor start to the current season.

The six-foot-eight-inch (2.03-metre) Sexson posted a .218 average with 11 homers and 30 RBIs in 74 games this season for the Mariners. In 2007, he had 21 homers, drove in 63 and hit .205 for Seattle.

Right-handed hitter Sexson is expected to spell Jason Giambi at first base for the Yankees against left-handed pitchers.

The Yankees said they would make a corresponding roster move to open a spot for Sexson before Friday night's game against Oakland.

(Reporting by Larry Fine, Editing by Clare Fallon)

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