The Yankees got a key piece of their lineup back on Friday, activating Starlin Castro from the disabled list before their series opener against the Mariners at Yankee Stadium.
The All-Star second baseman hasn't played in more than a month because a strained right hamstring. His last game before going on the DL was July 21.
To make room for Castro, the Yankees optioned utility player Tyler Wade to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Castro's return could be a huge boost for the American League Wild Card leaders, who trailed the Red Sox by 4 1/2 games in the AL East entering play Friday. The 27-year-old was hitting .307/.344/.472 with 12 home runs and 45 RBIs in 79 games prior to his injury.
This was Castro's second stint on the DL this season due to a strained hamstring. He missed several weeks leading up to the All-Star break, then reinjured the hamstring six games into his return.