Jeter Will Start at DH, Bat Second in Lineup

The New York Yankees are set to have their captain and the face of their franchise since 1995, Derek Jeter, back in the starting lineup tonight as they face off against Kansas City. Jeter has become synonymous with the Yankees ever since he took over the starting spot at shortstop 18 years ago, but today will mark his first appearance for the club this season since ankle surgery last October. Manager Joe Girardi announced in a press conference today that Jeter will start at DH and bat second in tonight’s contest.

Derek Jeter struggled in his rehab starts for the Yankee Triple-A affiliate in Scranton, batting 1 for 9 and looking shaky at shortstop over the course of his stint. However, following Travis Hafner’s injury in last night’s game, Yankee GM Brian Cashman and Girardi felt now was the time to call Jeter back up to the Majors.

Jeter first injured his ankle in October of last year, underwent surgery that month, and tried to come back for the beginning of this season. After just five spring training games in April, another fracture was discovered in his ankle and Jeter has been rehabbing ever since.

Part of the rush to get eter back in the lineup is undoubtedly the startling lack of production the Yankees have had from the shortstop position in his absence this season. The Yankee’s rank near the bottom of the league in every major offensive category at the shortstop position. Cashman and Girardi hope that Jeter can turn that around as they look to work him back in as their every day shortstop once again.