Schedule is working in Jeter's favor

LOS ANGELES -- The West Coast portion of the schedule is a friendly one for Derek Jeter as the Yankees shortstop works toward returning to everyday duty.

Jeter was activated on Sunday and went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an intentional walk in the Yankees' win over the Rays, then he received the benefit of an off-day on Monday after the team traveled to California.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that he would not hesitate to play Jeter both Tuesday and Wednesday against the Dodgers, and then Jeter will have another off-day on Thursday before the Yankees open a three-game series with the Padres in San Diego.

"I think it should [help] because he has to work up to playing in everyday shape," Girardi said. "That's one thing that's really difficult, and because of some of the injuries and us needing him, he didn't probably play as much as a guy probably would in Spring Training."

Tuesday will mark just Jeter's third game of the season in what is game No. 106 for the Yankees. Girardi said that Jeter will also be able to see time as the designated hitter once the Yankees are out of Interleague Play.

"He'll have some DH days and some off-days, but I think at this point in the season, we don't have the luxury of working guys in slowly," Girardi said. "I think you have to just kind of go day by day and see where he's at."