TAMPA, Fla. – Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera returned from injuries to make their 2013 spring training debuts Saturday in the New York Yankees' 2-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
The 38-year-old Jeter was a designated hitter and singled sharply to left field on his first pitch since breaking his left ankle on Oct. 13 in the AL championship series opener. Jeter, who missed New York's first 13 spring training games, grounded out to third base in his only other at-bat.
Hours after announcing this will be his final season, the 43-year-old Rivera made his first game appearance since April 30, throwing a 1-2-3 fifth inning. Looking like his overpowering self of old, Rivera retired Dan Uggla on a popup to second, then threw called third strikes past Juan Francisco and Chris Johnson.
Rivera made just nine appearances last season before he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while shagging fly balls on May 3. Rivera had surgery on June 12.
Braves starter Mike Minor allowed three hits and two walks in four shutout innings.
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