With MRI's good news, Gardner eyes return

TAMPA, Fla. -- Brett Gardner had an MRI on Thursday that confirmed a bone bruise on his right wrist, as previously diagnosed by an X-ray taken earlier this week.

Gardner was hit on the right wrist by the Orioles' Wei-Yin Chen in Monday's 6-5 Yankees victory. X-rays were negative on Gardner, who is expected to return to the lineup on Friday against the Rays.

"I'm definitely happy that it feels the way it does," Gardner said on Wednesday. "I'm headed in the right direction."

Gardner has been hit on the right wrist twice this season, also having been plunked in the Yanks' second game of the season against the Blue Jays. He is batting .261 (6-for-23) with a home run and three RBIs in six games.