Jeter Eager to Return to Yankees

Derek Jeter has moved closer to rejoining the New York Yankees. Jeter, on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained abdominal muscle, said he will resume swinging a bat today.

“It’s getting better,” he said after completing his third day of workouts and treatment at the Yankees’ player development center in Tampa, Fla.

Jeter is eligible to be activated Saturday, and did not rule out being ready when the Yankees play Boston over the weekend.

“When I’m ready, I’m out of here,” Jeter said.

Jeter was hitless in 13 at-bats in his last four games before being pulled in the third inning May 11 against Tampa Bay.

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The Atlanta Braves took shortstop Walt Weiss off the disabled list Sunday and sent pitcher Steve Avery, struggling in his comeback from shoulder surgery, to Myrtle Beach of the Class-A Carolina League.

Weiss had been on the disabled list since May 4 because of a strained left hamstring. To make room for Weiss, the Braves sent infielder Mark De Rosa to triple-A Richmond of the International League.

Plagued by injuries during his three seasons in Atlanta, Weiss. 36, was hitting .311 at the time of his latest setback. But his playing time may be limited by the emergence of 19-year-old Rafael Furcal.

“He’s a weapon like we haven’t had in a while,” said Weiss, who is in the final year of his contract. “I’m sure he’ll be playing a lot.”

Avery, signed to a minor league contract in spring training, has been pitching for double-A Greenville and Class-A Macon on injury rehabilitation assignments since April 12.

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Arizona closer Matt Mantei, on the disabled list for most of the season, was activated. Mantei missed 30 of the first 42 games. He was on the disabled list from April 2 to 20 because of right biceps tendinitis, then went back on May 5 because of shoulder soreness.