Derek Jeter singles in return to Yankees' lineup

Derek Jeter's recovery from a broken ankle continues as he was penciled into the lineup on Saturday.

Matt Slocum/AP

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter singled sharply to left field on his first pitch since breaking an ankle last fall in the AL championship series.

Jeter missed New York's first 13 spring training games and was the Yankees' designated hitter and leadoff batter Saturday against Atlanta. Jeter received a partial standing ovation from the crowd at Steinbrenner Field in the first inning, then singled between shortstop and third base against left-hander Mike Minor.

Jeter was forced at second base on Ichiro Suzuki's grounder, sliding into second base on a play that was not close.

The 38-year-old broke his left ankle lunging for a grounder against Detroit last Oct. 13 and had surgery a week later. He returned on the 147th day after the injury and wore protective gear on the foot.

Also, Phil Hughes threw 10 pitches in his first mound session since being diagnosed three weeks ago with a bulging disk in his upper back. The right-hander said he felt great and planned to have a 25-to-30 pitch bullpen session Monday.

New York relievers David Robertson (shoulder) and David Aardsma (groin) also had bullpen sessions.

CC Sabathia, the expected opening-day starter, is to pitch in a simulated game Sunday. He had offseason left elbow bone spur surgery.