Watch CBS News

Joe Girardi: Derek Jeter Will Return To Yankees' Leadoff Spot

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- According to Yankees manager Joe Girardi, there's no debate. Sure, Nick Swisher and Brett Gardner have found their stroke in the leadoff spot during Derek Jeter's absence, but the Yankees' captain is still No. 1.

"I don't think so," Girardi said of moving Jeter out of the leadoff spot when he returns from the disabled list. "Derek's been our leadoff guy. We'll see how he feels when he comes back, but yeah, he'll still be our leadoff guy."

Jeter limped off the field on June 13 against Cleveland. It's the first time since 2003 he's been on the 15-day DL.

"Obviously the ultimate goal is to be an everyday player," said Gardner. "But I understand that obviously there's other guys that are going to get at-bats and I understand that. ... When you get on a roll you want to be in there and play every day and try and keep things going."

The Yankees' captain threw for the first time Tuesday, including long toss, since going on the 15-day disabled list last week because of a strained right calf.

"Derek is going in the right direction," said Girardi. "I don't think he's hit yet, but he's throwing, and that's a step in the right direction."

Jeter also worked out indoors and had treatment at New York's spring training complex. He's six hits away from 3,000 in his career.

Should Jeter return to the leadoff spot? Fire away in the comments below...

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.