Nine months after breaking his ankle during the American League Championship Series, New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter has returned to the starting lineup, batting second in the lineup from the designated hitter position.
"The Captain" was called up to the majors after only four rehabilitation games, promoted earlier than expected due to the recent injuries of center fielder Brett Gardner and designated hitter Travis Hafner.
"He hadn't completed the whole profile we had set up for him in his rehab, but he roster changes that occurred in the game last night made us do some adjustments along the way,'' said Yankee general manager Brian Cashman. "He'll have to finish off his rehab in the big leagues.''
Jeter ended the day 1-for-4, scoring a run and earning an RBI. He singled in his first at-bat, a slow grounder misplayed by Kansas City Royal third baseman Miguel Tejada, before getting to third off a Robinson Canó single. Vernon Wells hit a sacrifice fly to right field, bringing Jeter home for the run.
Jeter later grounded to Tejada during his second at-bat and was later robbed of a single by a diving Johnny Giavotella in the fifth inning. Jeter added his only RBI grounding out to the shortstop, allowing Luis Cruz to score.
Jeter's presence is a much welcomed addition to the Yankee clubhouse, especially with Yankee shortstops combining to go last in slugging (.223) and second-to-last in batting in the league.
"It means a lot to have him back,'' said Yankee manager Joe Girardi. "Derek's a leader and a big part of this team from day one, from the day he got here. I was able to witness him in 1996, what his personality brought to the team, his desire, his unselfishness, and I think it's important to have him around.''
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