Hafner activated from the disabled list

NEW YORK -- On July 26, Travis Hafner strained the rotator cuff in his troublesome right shoulder. On July 27, he was placed on the disabled list.

Nearly two months later, the veteran designated hitter is finally ready to rejoin the Yankees, having been activated from the 60-day disabled list on Wednesday.

To make room for Hafner on the 40-man roster, CC Sabathia was placed on the 60-day DL, retroactive to Aug. 21, with a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring.

Manager Joe Girardi said that Hafner will be used as a pinch-hitter for the remainder of the regular season. Alex Rodriguez, who is still dealing with injuries to both legs, has played exclusively at DH since Sept. 11, and Girardi hasn't yet considered making any changes to that plan.

Hafner is batting .205 with 12 home runs and 37 RBIs over 81 games this season.