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Nunez to serve in utility role with Jeter back

TORONTO -- Derek Jeter's return from the disabled list has once again bumped infielder Eduardo Nunez to the bench, and the Yankees plan to use him in more of a utility role going forward.

Because the Yankees do not expect Jayson Nix (fractured left hand) to return this season, manager Joe Girardi will look to Nunez to back up at shortstop, third base and even second base.

"He's really our only other option at second base right now," Girardi said. "Nixy's down, we're not going to get him back. It probably makes some sense that [Nunez] takes some ground balls there."

Girardi is not certain if he would choose Nunez over the recently signed Mark Reynolds at third base.

"I'll look at some matchups and see," he said. "The good thing is, I feel I can use them both, which is nice."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat.
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