TAMPA, Fla. – New York Yankees right fielder Nick Swisher went 4-for-8 with a home run Wednesday in his first game since being sidelined by a groin injury a week ago.
Swisher had two singles, a double and an opposite field home run to left. He had two walks, batting in both the top and bottom of the inning during the intrasquad game between Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Double-A Trenton.
"It was nice just bouncing around," Swisher said. "I'm super excited. It's the first time I've been out here playing."
Swisher left a game against Toronto on March 14 in the fifth because of left groin tightness. He returned six days later, but hurt his right groin running out a grounder during the third inning of game a with Pittsburgh.
Swisher said he had no discomfort during running and agility workouts in the outfield Wednesday. He could play in a major league spring training on Friday night.
"I didn't feel a thing ... knock on wood," Swisher said. "Even on the double I hit, rounding the base I really tried to stay under control. Not try and do too much right now."
Swisher was the designated hitter Wednesday and was replaced by a pinch runner each time he reached base.
He had two hits in four at-bats against left-hander Manny Banuelos, and one hit in three at-bats with two walks off right-hander Brett Marshall. Swisher homered in final at-bat against righty Adam Miller.
The Yankee are also without center fielder Curtis Granderson, who was scratched as a precautionary move from Tuesday night's game against Toronto because of right elbow soreness. Granderson had an MRI exam on Wednesday, which was negative.
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