Derek Jeter Returns to the New York Yankees Lineup

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Jeter was activated from the disabled list by the New York Yankees prior to their game at Toronto on Monday evening. Jeter’s return has been highly anticipated considering he’s now missed almost the entire 2013 season. Monday’s game marked just the sixth he’s gotten into for the Yankees all season. Since becoming a full time starter during the 1996 season, Jeter had only twice before played in fewer than 148 games during the regular season.

After originally injuring his ankle during last year’s playoffs, it was widely expected that Jeter could be ready to go by the time the season was set to begin. He’d re-break a bone in the ankle during Spring Training, pushing his season debut back to mid-July.

He’d make his way into the lineup on July 11th, but in his first at bat against the Kansas City Royals he’d strain his hamstring and land right back on the DL. His return came on July 29th and would last just three days before a calf strain returned him to the sidelines.

New York has just 31 games left in their 2013 season and currently sit as a longshot to reach the playoffs. Getting their captain back certainly offers a morale boost, but even Jeter at his career offensive best might not be enough to carry the Yankees back into contention in time. At 39 years of age, Jeter’s career is likely entering its final stages. He’s got an $8 Million player option for 2014 that will likely be exercised, but beyond that he’ll no longer be under contract and it remains to be seen just how actively the organization will approach completing a new deal. He won’t ever wear a uniform besides that of the Yankees, but it’ll be curious to see how much loyalty is worth during those final contract negotiations.