Bombers bits

• Right-hander Mark Montgomery resumed playing catch on Tuesday. The touted prospect had been sidelined by back spasms.

• Eduardo Nunez figures to see a substantial amount of playing time at shortstop while Derek Jeter gets into baseball shape coming off left ankle surgery, but Girardi said that Nunez is still fighting for a roster spot.

"He has to earn it. That's the bottom line," Girardi said. "He has to earn it. We've got to toy with some different options, but we liked what he did at the end of last year. We know he provides a lot of excitement."

• Ichiro wowed the crowd at George M. Steinbrenner Field with a flashy behind-the-back catch during batting practice on Tuesday.

"I've seen him do it before," said Girardi, who'd prefer not to see it executed in a game. "Don't try that at home."