Yanks optimistic Jeter can return on Monday

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Yankees hope that Derek Jeter remembered to pack a passport for his Minor League rehabilitation assignment in Pennsylvania. It appears that the captain will be rejoining the club north of the border.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that Jeter is scheduled to play in a third Triple-A game on Saturday. With the big league club playing a day game on Sunday at Tropicana Field, all signs point to the captain being activated for Monday's game against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

"The fact is we need him to play [Friday], feel good and be able to bounce back the next day," Girardi said. "If that all goes well, maybe we see him really shortly after that."

Jeter, 39, is attempting to return from his third stint on the disabled list this season. He went 2-for-3 with a run scored, a double and an RBI for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday against Pawtucket.

Girardi said that his report was that Jeter "played well."

"He didn't run 100 percent -- not because he couldn't, but I think he's guarding against [injury], as we told him to," Girardi said. "I'm sure you'll see him move better each day."

Girardi said that it would be difficult to give Jeter -- who has played in just five big league games this season due to left ankle, right quadriceps and right calf injuries -- much more extra time, considering the late stage of the season.

"It's really hard, but you've also got to make sure he's able to do what we need," Girardi said. "You have to make sure he can play."