Jeter, Rivera make spring training debuts

For now, though, it is a sight the banged-up Yankees had been waiting for: their captain and closer returning to the field following major injuries.

Jeter and Rivera made their 2013 spring training debuts Saturday in the Yankees' 2-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves, which dropped New York's AL-worst exhibition record to 3-11.

"It's really positive for us," Girardi said.

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.

"Everything was fine," Jeter said. "It's good to get back into a game. Now, it's normal spring training. Get more and more comfortable."

Jeter, immobile for part of the offseason following surgery on Oct. 20, is scheduled to DH again Monday. He could return to shortstop on Wednesday.

"We'll see how he feels and go from there," Girardi said.

The 43-year-old Rivera was back on the mound, just hours after announcing this will be his final season. In his first game since April 30, he threw a 1-2-3 fifth inning that required 15 pitches. He looked like his overpowering self of old, retiring Dan Uggla on a popup to second and then throwing called third strikes past Juan Francisco and Chris Johnson.