NEW YORK — Miguel Andújar was activated by the New York Yankees on Saturday and was batting fourth and playing third base against the Minnesota Twins.
Andújar missed 28 games because of a small labrum tear in his right shoulder. He had been among 13 players on the injured list.
Initially, the Yankees feared Andújar might need surgery that could jeopardize his season, but he responded well to rehab and rejoined the Yankees on Friday.
“Excited to have another guy with Miggy’s capabilities, just potentially adding a little bit more length to our lineup,” manager Aaron Boone said. “So one of the guys we’ve been looking forward to getting back. The rehab process for him has gone as well as we could have hoped, so feel good about getting him back in the mix.”
The Yankees are still without Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Didi Gregorius, Luis Severino, Dellin Betances, Aaron Hicks, Greg Bird and Troy Tulowitzki.
Andújar was injured diving back into third base on a pickoff attempt against Baltimore during New York’s third game this season on March 31.
He batted .297 with 27 homers and 92 RBIs last season when he was runner-up for AL Rookie of the Year.
To make room for Andújar, first baseman Mike Ford was optioned back to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Ford batted .179 (5-for-28) with one homer and two RBIs in 10 games.