Tex exits after being hit in foot; X-rays negative

By Jamal Collier and Jake Kring-Schreifels / MLB.com | 6/22/2014 2:58 P.M. ET

NEW YORK -- Fortunately for the Yankees, X-rays came back negative on the left foot of first baseman Mark Teixeira, who was removed in the eighth inning of Sunday's 8-0 loss to the Orioles after being hit by a pitch.

His toes are sore, but Teixeira said he expects to be in the lineup on Monday in Toronto.

After being hit, Teixeira slammed his helmet to the ground while walking back to the dugout as he thought back to a similar situation in 2010, when he was hit by A's right-hander Vin Mazzaro and broke his pinkie toe.

"I've done it before and it's not fun," Teixeira said. "I thought it was broken again, so I took it out on my helmet."

The 34-year-old Teixeira avoided what could have been another addition in a list of frustrating injuries. Surgery on his right wrist limited him to just 15 games last season and has bothered him enough at times this year to keep him out of the lineup. Last weekend in Oakland, he was held out of a game with tightness in his left rib cage.

When Teixeira has been in the lineup, he has been one of the team's most consistent contributors, leading the Yankees in both home runs (12) and RBIs (35). He had a 10-game hitting streak snapped on Sunday.

"Just breathing a sigh of relief right now," Teixeira said.

Gossage receives Monument Park plaque

NEW YORK -- As the Yankees celebrated Old-Timers' Day on Sunday, they took a moment to honor the career of Hall of Fame closer Rich "Goose" Gossage. The Yankees unveiled a plaque dedicated to Gossage to be installed in Monument Park.

Gossage played parts of seven seasons for the Yankees (1978-83, '89) -- winning the World Series in 1978 -- and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008, but he called his moment on Sunday at Yankee Stadium "the greatest day I ever had."

He remembered sitting in the bullpen during his playing days and looking out at the monuments, never thinking he would one day be honored to receive his own plaque.

"I don't even really know what to say," Gossage said during his speech to the crowd, which serenaded him with "Gooooose" cheers. "It's totally overwhelming to me is the only word I can come up with."

Gossage was a nine-time All-Star during his career and complied a 42-28 record and a 2.14 ERA with 151 saves and 512 strikeouts during 319 games with the Yankees. The Yankees also presented him with a ring -- his number 54 coated in diamonds on the center, his name "Gossage" down one side and his career highlights down the other.

Gossage's ceremony came one day after the Yankees dedicated a plaque to Tino Martinez.

When Gossage heard his ceremony would come during Old-Timers' Day in front of some of his former teammates and legendary Yankees from so many different eras, he said he was fortunate to be sitting down when he heard the news.

"I never ever put myself in that kind of company," Gossage said.

Yankees celebrate 68th Old-Timers' Day

NEW YORK -- After taking batting practice, Johnny Damon joked that he officially knew why he was considered an Old-Timer.

Damon and Hideki Matsui, both important contributors on the 2009 World Series champion Yankees, were both first-time participants at the 68th Annual Old-Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium. They were joined by Hall of Famers Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Rickey Henderson and Reggie Jackson, and Joe Torre, who will be inducted in July.

"It means a lot to me, I was very fortunate and blessed that we were able to win a championship here, and because of that, I can show my face here as much as I'd like," Damon said with a laugh.

Damon just missed a home run to right field in the Old-Timers' game, a spot so familiar to him, when he pulled a line drive off the wall. It was Jesse Barfield who collected the only homer of the day, smashing a line drive down the left-field line.

Derek Jeter, CC Sabathia and manager Joe Girardi laughed this week when asked about some of their former teammates from not too long ago coming back as Old-Timers.

"They're both plenty younger than me, too," Girardi said. "For all of us, there's a time when retirement is part of it and we become Old-Timers."

The Yankees are the only team in the Majors that still hosts an Old-Timers' Day. Girardi said he believes the team's lengthy history has a lot to do with why it still works. Girardi said he would take advantage of the day and he did, spending some time on the field while the legends took batting practice.

Getting a chance to share old stories is one of the unique parts of the day that still makes it special after so many years.

"This is what you miss when you leave the game, is being able to see the people you played alongside of," Torre said. "Unfortunately, when you get to my age, a lot of Old-Timers are guys you managed. That's the scary part about it.

"But it's just great sharing war stories."

Pineda has setback, will wait a week to throw

NEW YORK -- The Yankees have been pretty vague when it comes to a timetable for injured starter Michael Pineda.

But his return, scheduled for some time in August, may be pushed back a little longer after an MRI showed some trace amounts of inflammation behind his right shoulder on Saturday. He was scheduled to throw Saturday, but will now wait another week to be safe.

"We're pretty confident that he'll start throwing [this coming] Saturday," said manager Joe Girardi, who indicated that Pineda will not need another MRI.

"Our doctor felt that it would not be necessary because it was fairly minor -- the amount of inflammation, compared to what it was -- and that a week would be plenty sufficient."

Pineda was scratched from a June 1 intrasquad outing when he felt soreness behind his right shoulder, a setback forcing him to essentially start from scratch.

He sustained the initial injury while throwing a simulated game in Tampa, Fla., in April, attempting to stay sharp while serving a 10-game suspension levied after he was ejected from a game at Fenway Park for having pine tar on his neck.

The righty hasn't pitched in a game since April 23 against Boston.

Bombers bits

Girardi said before Sunday's contest that with a stretch of 17 straight games leading up to the All-Star break after Thursday's off-day, he won't skip starter Vidal Nuno in the rotation.

Jamal Collier and Jake Kring-Schreifels are associate reporters for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Yankees, Blue Jays set to open AL East battle

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Jeter increases lead to be starting shortstop for AL

NEW YORK -- Yankees captain Derek Jeter is two weeks away from becoming an All-Star for the 14th time in his legendary Major League career.

Fans are helping end Jeter's last season fittingly, supplying him with a substantial lead as the top vote-getter at shortstop (2,353,336), the sixth-most votes in the American League, in the latest ballot results released Sunday night. Jeter leads Alexei Ramirez (1,933,117) by a closer margin than other position leaders, but Jeter has increased his lead recently as the voting deadline heads into the home stretch.

For Jeter, one more selection would snap a tie with Joe DiMaggio and Mariano Rivera, both of whom were selected as All-Stars 13 times. Mickey Mantle was a 20-time All-Star.

Catcher Brian McCann (1,344,076) has lost some ground in the last few weeks, falling into third place as he trails the Athletics' Derek Norris and Orioles leader Matt Wieters (1,852,770). Mark Teixeira (718,367) will need a mammoth surge if he wants to overtake first-base leader Miguel Cabrera, who has well over two million votes.

In the outfield, Jose Bautista and Mike Trout have each exceeded three million votes, locking down the top two spots, leaving third place vote-getter Melky Cabrera (1,674,232) behind by a healthy margin. But Jacoby Ellsbury (1,264,746), in seventh place, Carlos Beltran (1,081,686) and Brett Gardner (737,736) still have chances to make a final push and overtake Cabrera for third place.

Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- online or on a mobile device -- using the 2014 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot Sponsored by Experian until Thursday, July 3, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The 2014 All-Star Game will be played at Target Field on Tuesday, July 15.

Fans may submit up to 25 online ballots, but they can also earn a one-time bonus of 10 additional online ballots. To access these additional online ballots, you must be logged into your MLB.com account when you submit any online ballot. If you do not have an MLB.com account, register on the site in accordance with the enrollment instructions for a free MLB.com account.

Fans this year once again can participate in the Home Run Derby Fan Poll. Fans will have the opportunity to select three players in each league who they would most like to see participate in the Home Run Derby. The 2014 Home Run Derby will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Radio in the United States beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 14.

The 2014 American League and National League All-Star teams will be unveiled on the 2014 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show during the weekend of July 5-6, with further details to follow on MLB.com. Immediately following the announcement of the AL and NL All-Star rosters, fans can begin voting to select the final player for each league's 34-man roster via the 2014 All-Star Game MLB.com Final Vote Sponsored by Experian. Fans will cast their votes from a list of five players from each league over the balloting period.

And the voting doesn't end there. The final phase of All-Star Game voting will again have fans participating in the voting for the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. During the Midsummer Classic, fans will vote exclusively online at MLB.com via the 2014 All-Star Game MLB.com MVP Vote Sponsored by Pepsi, and their voice will represent 20 percent of the overall vote that determines the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.

MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage of the All-Star Week festivities.

The 85th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.

AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR VOTE LEADERS

FIRST BASE
Miguel Cabrera, Tigers -- 2,645,000
Jose Abreu, White Sox -- 1,420,294
Chris Davis, Orioles -- 1,087,112
Albert Pujols, Angels -- 1,040,316
Mark Teixeira, Yankees -- 718,367

SECOND BASE
Robinson Cano, Mariners -- 2,007,055
Ian Kinsler, Tigers -- 1,338,272
Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox -- 1,264,329
Jose Altuve, Astros -- 932,978
Brian Dozier, Twins -- 841,980

SHORTSTOP
Derek Jeter, Yankees -- 2,353,336
Alexei Ramirez, White Sox -- 1,933,117
J.J. Hardy, Orioles -- 1,259,268
Jose Reyes, Blue Jays -- 871,633
Jed Lowrie, Athletics -- 629,686

THIRD BASE
Josh Donaldson, Athletics -- 2,436,771
Adrian Beltre, Rangers -- 1,346,957
Manny Machado, Orioles -- 1,182,098
Evan Longoria, Rays -- 1,118,453
Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays -- 758,043

CATCHER
Matt Wieters, Orioles -- 1,852,770
Derek Norris, Athletics -- 1,486,850
Brian McCann, Yankees -- 1,344,076
Kurt Suzuki, Twins -- 812,865
A.J. Pierzynski, Red Sox -- 810,050

DESIGNATED HITTER
Nelson Cruz, Orioles -- 2,457,349
David Ortiz, Red Sox -- 1,652,470
Victor Martinez, Tigers -- 1,418,509
Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays -- 1,276,851
Brandon Moss, Athletics -- 796,159

OUTFIELD
Jose Bautista, Blue Jays -- 3,665,208
Mike Trout, Angels -- 3,286,511
Melky Cabrera, Blue Jays -- 1,674,232
Yoenis Cespedes, Athletics -- 1,511,838
Adam Jones, Orioles -- 1,490,000
Michael Brantley, Indians -- 1,284,901
Jacoby Ellsbury, Yankees -- 1,264,746
Nick Markakis, Orioles -- 1,170,304
Carlos Beltran, Yankees -- 1,081,686
Torii Hunter, Tigers -- 989,715
Coco Crisp, Athletics -- 748,013
Alex Rios, Rangers -- 742,780
Brett Gardner, Yankees -- 737,736
Shin-Soo Choo, Rangers -- 699,751
Josh Hamilton, Angels -- 696,991

Jake Kring-Schreifels is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Feeling good, CC to take throwing program to Florida

NEW YORK -- CC Sabathia threw a third successful 36-pitch bullpen session before Saturday's game and will head to Tampa, Fla., on Sunday to continue his throwing program.

"I feel pretty good," said Sabathia. "I haven't experienced any of the things I had earlier in the year. I'm excited about the way I feel. The brace that I have on is helping a lot. I'm ready to go."

Sabathia hasn't pitched since May 10, when he was placed on the disabled list with fluid in his right knee and eventually given a stem-cell injection in the knee. But since he's started his throwing program, he's reported no pain and is confident his knee is healthy.

"This is the time to test it," Sabathia said. "I will when I'm down there in Tampa. It's not just a rehab, I really need to test and see if I can do it."

Sabathia said he plans to throw batting practice on Tuesday and hopefully pitch in a game with hitters next Saturday, though he and manager Joe Girardi are still not sure what his first assignment will be.

"Everything is going well," said Girardi. "He had another bullpen session today. Obviously, he needs to continue his throwing program, and hopefully he'll start seeing hitters fairly soon."

Sabathia said he will continue to wear a brace on his knee for the rest of the season and has been working to gain back strength in his quad and calf to relieve pressure from his hips. The long recovery has also been important in helping him maintain the same mechanics.

"I think we've done a good job of that the past six, eight weeks," Sabathia said. "I feel better now that I have a little light [at the end of the tunnel] where I can see hopefully getting back out there healthy."

Yanks honor Tino with plaque in Monument Park

NEW YORK -- Before Saturday's game against the Orioles, the Yankees unveiled a plaque for former first baseman Tino Martinez that will join center field's Monument Park.

Martinez was acquired from Seattle prior to the 1996 season and went on to play seven seasons for New York, leading the team to four World Series victories. He hit .276 with 192 home runs and 739 RBIs in his Yankees career.

After the ceremony, Martinez remembered when he was first told that he'd be honored with the plaque. He was in Augusta, Ga., for The Masters golf tournament when he received the call from Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal.

"I was stunned," Martinez said. "I was by myself, my wife was home, my daughter was in school still. I was there by myself. Nobody was in my room still and I'm looking around just going, 'What?' I called back a half-hour later and said, 'Are you sure?'

"Thinking back to those first days when I got here, I was really excited to be a Yankee. I know I started out slow, but I just wanted to go out there and play hard, help the team win championships, which we did. I never imagined having a plaque in Monument Park when I was playing. When they called me, I was still overwhelmed by the whole situation, out there with all those great names, and you're about to be put out there as well. It's crazy. I'm honored, I'm humbled by it, but again, it's really the result of the successful team I played on."

After Don Mattingly retired and left first base vacant, Martinez knew he would have a lot of expectations, especially trying to supplant Mattingly's power.

"He had some really big shoes to fill," said manager Joe Girardi, one of Martinez's teammates in the late 1990s. "[Mattingly], rightfully so, was a fan favorite and great New York Yankee. Awesome first baseman, and Tino had to kind of earn his stripes and he did it fairly quickly. He did a really good job in handling that situation."

"I don't think you can underestimate how tough it is to replace Don Mattingly," said David Cone. "Tino came in [1996], and maybe the first couple of weeks it was a slow start and then boom. We got 40-plus [home runs] and 140 RBIs out of him, we got our middle-of-the-order power guy, and that's what started the run.

Anticipating the ceremony, the Yankees scoreboard played highlights from Game 1 of the 1998 World Series, when Martinez launched a go-ahead grand slam off Mark Langston, one of his signature Yankees moments.

"Tino brought a real edge to the game and had high expectations," Girardi said. "I actually remember there was one day, him and [Paul] O'Neill, I was kind of in between their lockers, and they were arguing. Paul was jealous of the home runs Tino was hitting, Tino was jealous of the average that Paul had, and I'm thinking, 'Shut up. I don't need to hear this. Here I'm fighting every day to hit .260, .270. One of you has got 25 home runs, the other guy's hitting .325, I don't need to hear this. I don't feel bad for either one of you.' That's how they were."

After Martinez's news conference, former manager Joe Torre, former longtime athletic trainer Gene Monahan and former teammates Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera and David Cone reflected on Martinez's time with the Yankees.

"A lot of times he didn't think he helped the ballclub as much as we all knew he did," said Torre.

"He was a tough, tough player," said Posada. "He was not always the outspoken one, but he was one of my favorites."

Monahan echoed those thoughts.

"He didn't lead with a lot of firepower, he let his stuff do the talking at the plate," said Monahan. "Every once in a while, if some young fellow wasn't backing up a play or somebody was a little lackadaisical here at the plate ... he'd give him a little nudge, and look him with his narrow eyes and straighten that guy right up. He's a team player all the way."

"[It's ] a privilege when you have a guy like that [who] will tell you the right things, even when you don't want to hear those things," said Rivera. "I was happy to play with him and I'm happy that I can call him my friend."

Pitch, Hit & Run championships a special experience

NEW YORK -- With Yankee Stadium playing host to the Pitch, Hit & Run championships, it made for a cool moment for all those involved.

The kids stood on the field in awe, while their parents rapidly snapped photos to capture the moment.

"It was a really cool experience," said Ryley Pas'cal, who placed third in the 11-12-year-old girls division. "I've never been here before and I liked the whole new setting and new field."

This was the 18th year Major League Baseball has run the youth skills program, and all 30 teams host a championship round at their ballpark. On Saturday, 12 girls and 12 boys were split into groups by age and gender and judged on their ability to pitch (how many times they could hit a strike zone after six pitches), hit (three swings off a tee and judged how far the ball traveled) and run (a timed sprint from second to home).

"I enjoyed the batting and how we're able to look out from the same view the players are looking at," said Noah Barber, who placed third this year in the 13-14-year-old boys division in his second year participating in the competition.

If the competitors' scores are among the top three across the nation in their age group, they will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to All-Star weekend in Minneapolis for the 2014 Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Final. They will even get a chance to catch fly balls in the outfield during the 2014 Home Run Derby. The winners will be announced June 29 on MLB Network.

The winners from each age group for the Yankees included: Arricca Silliman and Aidan Hayward (ages 7-8); Erin Dougherty and Casey Saucke (ages 9-10); Allison Lowery and Aristo Pagiatakis (ages 11-12); Alexis Miller and Daniel Kowalski (ages 13-14).

Bombers bits

• Girardi didn't have a chance to look at Friday's MRI on right-hander Michael Pineda, who was scheduled to play catch today as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

• Jacoby Ellsbury has been successful in each of his last 13 stolen-base attempts entering Saturday. He hasn't been caught stealing since April 19 against the Rays.

• The Yankees will host the 68th Old Timers' Day before Sunday's series finale with the Orioles. Ceremonies begin at 11:30 a.m. ET.

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Yanks honor Tino with plaque in Monument Park

NEW YORK -- Before Saturday's game against the Orioles, the Yankees unveiled a plaque for former first baseman Tino Martinez that will join center field's Monument Park.

Martinez was acquired from Seattle prior to the 1996 season and went on to play seven seasons for New York, leading the team to four World Series victories. He hit .276 with 192 home runs and 739 RBIs in his Yankees career.

After the ceremony, Martinez remembered when he was first told that he'd be honored with the plaque. He was in Augusta, Ga., for The Masters golf tournament when he received the call from Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal.

"I was stunned," Martinez said. "I was by myself, my wife was home, my daughter was in school still. I was there by myself. Nobody was in my room still and I'm looking around just going, 'What?' I called back a half-hour later and said, 'Are you sure?'

"Thinking back to those first days when I got here, I was really excited to be a Yankee. I know I started out slow, but I just wanted to go out there and play hard, help the team win championships, which we did. I never imagined having a plaque in Monument Park when I was playing. When they called me, I was still overwhelmed by the whole situation, out there with all those great names, and you're about to be put out there as well. It's crazy. I'm honored, I'm humbled by it, but again, it's really the result of the successful team I played on."

After Don Mattingly retired and left first base vacant, Martinez knew he would have a lot of expectations, especially trying to supplant Mattingly's power.

"He had some really big shoes to fill," said manager Joe Girardi, one of Martinez's teammates in the late 1990s. "[Mattingly], rightfully so, was a fan favorite and great New York Yankee. Awesome first baseman, and Tino had to kind of earn his stripes and he did it fairly quickly. He did a really good job in handling that situation."

"I don't think you can underestimate how tough it is to replace Don Mattingly," said David Cone. "Tino came in [1996], and maybe the first couple of weeks it was a slow start and then boom. We got 40-plus [home runs] and 140 RBIs out of him, we got our middle-of-the-order power guy, and that's what started the run.

Anticipating the ceremony, the Yankees scoreboard played highlights from Game 1 of the 1998 World Series, when Martinez launched a go-ahead grand slam off Mark Langston, one of his signature Yankees moments.

"Tino brought a real edge to the game and had high expectations," Girardi said. "I actually remember there was one day, him and [Paul] O'Neill, I was kind of in between their lockers, and they were arguing. Paul was jealous of the home runs Tino was hitting, Tino was jealous of the average that Paul had, and I'm thinking, 'Shut up. I don't need to hear this. Here I'm fighting every day to hit .260, .270. One of you has got 25 home runs, the other guy's hitting .325, I don't need to hear this. I don't feel bad for either one of you.' That's how they were."

After Martinez's news conference, former manager Joe Torre, former longtime athletic trainer Gene Monahan and former teammates Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera and David Cone reflected on Martinez's time with the Yankees.

"A lot of times he didn't think he helped the ballclub as much as we all knew he did," said Torre.

"He was a tough, tough player," said Posada. "He was not always the outspoken one, but he was one of my favorites."

Monahan echoed those thoughts.

"He didn't lead with a lot of firepower, he let his stuff do the talking at the plate," said Monahan. "Every once in a while, if some young fellow wasn't backing up a play or somebody was a little lackadaisical here at the plate ... he'd give him a little nudge, and look him with his narrow eyes and straighten that guy right up. He's a team player all the way."

"[It's ] a privilege when you have a guy like that [who] will tell you the right things, even when you don't want to hear those things," said Rivera. "I was happy to play with him and I'm happy that I can call him my friend."

Feeling good, CC to take throwing program to Florida

NEW YORK -- CC Sabathia threw a third successful 36-pitch bullpen session before Saturday's game and will head to Tampa, Fla., on Sunday to continue his throwing program.

"I feel pretty good," said Sabathia. "I haven't experienced any of the things I had earlier in the year. I'm excited about the way I feel. The brace that I have on is helping a lot. I'm ready to go."

Sabathia hasn't pitched since May 10, when he was placed on the disabled list with fluid in his right knee and eventually given a stem-cell injection in the knee. But since he's started his throwing program, he's reported no pain and is confident his knee is healthy.

"This is the time to test it," Sabathia said. "I will when I'm down there in Tampa. It's not just a rehab, I really need to test and see if I can do it."

Sabathia said he plans to throw batting practice on Tuesday and hopefully pitch in a game with hitters next Saturday, though he and manager Joe Girardi are still not sure what his first assignment will be.

"Everything is going well," said Girardi. "He had another bullpen session today. Obviously, he needs to continue his throwing program, and hopefully he'll start seeing hitters fairly soon."

Sabathia said he will continue to wear a brace on his knee for the rest of the season and has been working to gain back strength in his quad and calf to relieve pressure from his hips. The long recovery has also been important in helping him maintain the same mechanics.

"I think we've done a good job of that the past six, eight weeks," Sabathia said. "I feel better now that I have a little light [at the end of the tunnel] where I can see hopefully getting back out there healthy."

Pitch, Hit & Run championships a special experience

NEW YORK -- With Yankee Stadium playing host to the Pitch, Hit & Run championships, it made for a cool moment for all those involved.

The kids stood on the field in awe, while their parents rapidly snapped photos to capture the moment.

"It was a really cool experience," said Ryley Pas'cal, who placed third in the 11-12-year-old girls division. "I've never been here before and I liked the whole new setting and new field."

This was the 18th year Major League Baseball has run the youth skills program, and all 30 teams host a championship round at their ballpark. On Saturday, 12 girls and 12 boys were split into groups by age and gender and judged on their ability to pitch (how many times they could hit a strike zone after six pitches), hit (three swings off a tee and judged how far the ball traveled) and run (a timed sprint from second to home).

"I enjoyed the batting and how we're able to look out from the same view the players are looking at," said Noah Barber, who placed third this year in the 13-14-year-old boys division in his second year participating in the competition.

If the competitors' scores are among the top three across the nation in their age group, they will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to All-Star weekend in Minneapolis for the 2014 Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Final. They will even get a chance to catch fly balls in the outfield during the 2014 Home Run Derby. The winners will be announced June 29 on MLB Network.

The winners from each age group for the Yankees included: Arricca Silliman and Aidan Hayward (ages 7-8); Erin Dougherty and Casey Saucke (ages 9-10); Allison Lowery and Aristo Pagiatakis (ages 11-12); Alexis Miller and Daniel Kowalski (ages 13-14).

Bombers bits

• Girardi didn't have a chance to look at Friday's MRI on right-hander Michael Pineda, who was scheduled to play catch today as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

• Jacoby Ellsbury has been successful in each of his last 13 stolen-base attempts entering Saturday. He hasn't been caught stealing since April 19 against the Rays.

• The Yankees will host the 68th Old Timers' Day before Sunday's series finale with the Orioles. Ceremonies begin at 11:30 a.m. ET.

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Tanaka seeks 12th win on Old Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium

MLB.COM BINGO

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For up to twenty-two (22) Postseason Games during the 2012 Wild Card Games and the 2012 Division Series, each Winner will receive one (1) Postseason.TV subscription for the remainder of the 2012 MLB Postseason. Approximate retail value ("ARV") of each such Prize: $4.99.

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Johnson out of lineup with bruised fingers

By Jamal Collier and Jake Kring-Schreifels / MLB.com | 6/20/2014 8:42 P.M. ET

NEW YORK -- Yankees third baseman Kelly Johnson wasn't in the team's starting lineup on Friday against the Orioles, a day after he was removed from a game with bruised fingers.

Manager Joe Girardi said Johnson's fingers are still sore but he would be available if necessary.

The injury happened in the sixth inning on Thursday against the Blue Jays with Johnson attempting to bunt. Girardi said his status is day to day.

Johnson was hitting .333 during his last 10 games, which earned him back his regular spot in the lineup.

"It's not what you want," Girardi said. "It is unfortunate, but we don't think it will be long."

Yangervis Solarte started in Johnson's place at third and hit ninth in the lineup. Solarte has scuffled a bit lately after a fast start. He has not had a hit since June 8 against the Royals, although he did force in a run by drawing a bases-loaded walk on Thursday.

"It's just kind of what you go through as a hitter," Girardi said. "I haven't seen a big change in his at-bats."

Yanks utilizing small ball to generate runs

NEW YORK -- Even though the home run numbers are not what the Yankees expected coming into the season, the team is finding other ways to generate offense lately.

Take Thursday's 6-4 win against the Blue Jays for instance.

Brett Gardner led off the first inning with a double, moved to third on a single from Derek Jeter and scored on a sacrifice fly. In the third inning, Jacoby Ellsbury singled, stole second base, was pushed to third on a single and also scored on a sacrifice fly. Brian Roberts singled in the sixth, swiped second and third before scoring on a groundout by Jeter.

"I think that's important," said manager Joe Girardi. "That's one of the ways that we create runs -- we have guys that are able to do that and that's been important to our offense."

The Yankees entered Friday's game against the Orioles tied for ninth in the American League in home runs (57), but they are third in stolen bases (52). The offseason additions of Roberts and Ellsbury has given New York another dimension to its offense.

"And when we do start hitting more home runs, and I think you're going to see it, you add that in there and it's a pretty complete offense," Girardi said.

Roberts records career hit No. 1,500

NEW YORK -- Yankees second baseman Brian Roberts connected on a single to right field for his 1,500th career hit in the second inning against Orioles starter Ubaldo Jimenez on Friday night at Yankee Stadium.

The milestone hit came fittingly against the team that drafted him. Roberts spent 13 years and collected 1,452 hits with Baltimore before signing with the Yankees in the offseason.

His highest single-season hits total came in 2008, when he tallied 181 in 155 games.

Kelley not concerned with struggles since return

NEW YORK -- Reliever Shawn Kelley missed just over a month of the season with a strained lumbar spine. Before heading to the disabled list on May 6, Kelley posted a 3.52 ERA and struck out 16 over 15 1/3 innings. But things have been a little tougher since his return to the team on June 12.

In four appearances entering Friday, the righty has allowed three earned runs over just 2 1/3 innings for an 11.57 ERA in that span. In his most recent outing against Toronto on Thursday, he recorded two outs but surrendered a two-run homer to Edwin Encarnacion.

"I don't get overly concerned," said manager Joe Girardi of Kelley's recent struggles. "Obviously, we need to get him back on a roll. It's important to get him going. It's frustrating for a player when you're pitching so well and then you get hurt and maybe you're not quite as sharp as you've been, but he'll get back on track. That's not something I'm too concerned about."

Kelley seems to share his manager's perspective, understanding that after a month off without pitching or working out, it will still take some time to get back into a pitching routine again.

"I've felt pretty good. I've just got to continue to get my strength back," Kelley said. "It's a process. I felt good in Oakland, didn't feel as good [Thursday] night, but I'm getting there. It's not necessarily what the velocity shows on the scoreboard, but it's more of an arm strength thing and a leg strength thing. That's what allows me to stay through pitches and get that late jump on my fastball and get that sharper bite on my slider. ... It's coming. It's probably going to be another game or two before I feel 100 percent like myself."

As the Yankees began a stretch Tuesday with only one day off before July's All-Star break, having a healthy bullpen figures to be a large priority, especially after it performed well in their recent sweep of the Blue Jays.

"When things are going good, you feel it on the mound, you get in a rhythm, you get in a routine and your confidence is there and you just know when you reach back that every pitch is just going to do exactly what you want," said Kelley. "It doesn't always happen, but when things are going good, you feel like you can do whatever you want out there and that's coming. Even though [Thursday] night wasn't as good, it's continuing to get better."

Bombers bits

• Starter Michael Pineda underwent an MRI on Friday to make sure his throwing shoulder had completely healed. The Yankees expect him back sometime in August.

• The Yankees scored a run in the first inning for the third straight game Friday night. They are 15-3 when leading after the first inning this season.

Jamal Collier and Jake Kring-Schreifels are associate reporters for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Nuno looks to bounce back, deliver series win over O's

MLB.COM BINGO

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PROMOTION PERIOD: The Promotion period (the "Promotion Period") begins at 11:00 AM Eastern Time ("ET") on October 5, 2012 and ends upon completion of the final out of the 2012 MLB World Series Championship.

HOW TO ENTER: During the Promotion Period, you may enter the Promotion by clicking on the banners, buttons and/or links within MLB.com Gameday (a free application) and following the instructions provided to register for the Promotion. If you are not already a member of MLB.com, you must become one before you can register to participate in the Contest (membership is free). There is only one (1) way to participate in the Promotion: online. No other method of entry or participation will be accepted. Additional entries beyond the specified limit will be void. Entries generated by script, macro or other automated means will be void. All information submitted online by entrants is subject to, and will be treated in a manner consistent with, MLB.com's Terms of Use accessible at: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/about_mlb_com/terms_of_use.jsp and Privacy Policy accessible at: www.mlb.com/privacy.  All online entries must include a valid e-mail address for the entrant.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:  Upon successful registration, follow the instructions provided to receive one (1) virtual bingo card (the "Bingo Card") for each game of the 2012 MLB Postseason played during the Promotion Period (each, a "Postseason Game"). In addition, during the Promotion Period, participants may utilize sharing functionality available via the Promotion upon completion of a successful Contest (the "Sharing Functionality") to receive two (2) additional Bingo Cards. For each eligible individual any entrant notifies or makes aware of the Promotion who clicks on a valid link made available via the Sharing Functionality identifiable as having come from the entrant, such entrant shall receive two (2) additional Bingo Cards (for a total of three (3) Bingo Cards). No additional Bingo Cards will be received other than through verified Sharing Functionality. There is a limit of three (3) Bingo Cards per person and per e-mail address per Postseason Game. Each Bingo Card shall include a 5x5 grid that includes twenty-five (25) tiles (each, a "Tile"). Each Tile will include one (1) randomly selected game outcome for the active Postseason Game. For example, a participant could have a "Josh Hamilton Double" Tile on their Bingo Card which would be automatically marked in the event Josh Hamilton hits a double during a Postseason Game. Any eligible participant who receives a Bingo Card that becomes marked with five (5) Tiles in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row (each, a "Potential Winning Bingo Card") may be a potential Prize winner, subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these Official Rules. (See the Prize Claim Section below for more information.) For purposes of this Promotion, MLB game outcomes will not be updated to reflect any official MLB statistics changes or corrections that may occur after the completion of any Postseason Game. Once each Postseason Game is final following completion of the final out of that game, it will be final for purposes of this Promotion. In the event any Postseason Game is cancelled, postponed or suspended, all Bingo Cards will be void for that game and Sponsor reserves the right to award the applicable Prizes by way of random drawing from among all eligible participants as of the time of such cancellation, postponement or suspension.

PRIZE CLAIMS: In the event you receive a message within MLB.com Gameday notifying you that you have a Potential Winning Bingo Card, you must claim your Potential Winning Bingo Card by following the onscreen instructions provided by no later than ten (10) minutes following the end of the applicable Postseason Game to be eligible for the Drawing (defined below). Failure to claim your Potential Winning Bingo Card within ten (10) minutes following the end of the applicable Postseason Game will render the Potential Winning Bingo Card void and result in Prize forfeiture.

ALL POTENTIAL WINNING BINGO CARDS ARE SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION BY SPONSOR WHOSE DECISIONS ARE FINAL AND BINDING. AN ENTRANT IS NOT A WINNER OF ANY PRIZE, EVEN IF THE PROMOTION SHOULD SO INDICATE, UNLESS AND UNTIL ENTRANT'S ELIGIBILITY, THE POTENTIAL WINNING BINGO CARD AND ENTRANT'S COMPLIANCE WITH THESE OFFICIAL RULES HAVE BEEN VERIFIED BY SPONSOR AND ENTRANT HAS BEEN NOTIFIED THAT SUCH VERIFICATION IS COMPLETE. SPONSOR WILL NOT ACCEPT SCREEN SHOTS OR OTHER EVIDENCE OF WINNING IN LIEU OF ITS VALIDATION PROCESS.

RANDOM DRAWINGS: Approximately thirty (30) minutes following the final out of each Postseason Game, five (5) potential winners will be selected by random drawing from among all eligible participants who claim valid Potential Winning Bingo Cards for that Postseason Game in accordance with these Official Rules (the "Drawing"). Subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these Official Rules, the potential winners will be declared official winners of the Sweepstakes (each, a "Winner" and collectively, the "Winners"). Odds of winning a Prize will depend on the total number of Bingo Cards issued and the total number of valid Potential Winning Bingo Cards claimed for each applicable Postseason Game. Limit one (1) Prize per person, per family and per household.

PRIZES:  A maximum of two hundred fifteen (215) prizes (each, a "Prize" and collectively, the "Prizes") will be awarded (i.e. five (5) Prizes per each Postseason Game with a maximum of forty-three (43) Postseason Games), as follows:

For up to twenty-two (22) Postseason Games during the 2012 Wild Card Games and the 2012 Division Series, each Winner will receive one (1) Postseason.TV subscription for the remainder of the 2012 MLB Postseason. Approximate retail value ("ARV") of each such Prize: $4.99.

For up to twenty-one (21) Postseason Games during the 2012 League Championship Series and the 2012 MLB World Series Championship, each Winner will receive one (1) MLB.TV Offseason Package subscription. ARV of each such Prize: $24.99.

Total ARV of all Prizes: $3172.85.

For the avoidance of doubt, no Prizes will be awarded in connection with any 2012 MLB Postseason game that is not played because it is not necessary.

PRIZE CONDITIONS: All Prize details to be determined in the sole discretion of Sponsor. Each Winner is fully responsible for any and all applicable federal, state and local taxes (including income and withholding taxes). Postseason.TV subscriptions are subject to blackout and other restrictions - see www.postseason.tv for complete details. All costs and expenses associated with the Prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided including, but not limited to, any and all expenses incurred by accepting the Prize are the sole responsibility of the Winners. The Prizes are non-transferable and non-assignable, with no cash redemptions except at Sponsor's sole and absolute discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any Prize (or any portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value at its sole and absolute discretion.

NOTIFICATION:  Each potential winner will be notified at the e-mail address, postal address and/or telephone number (in the sole discretion of Sponsor) provided at the time of entry (the "Prize Notification"). In the event that any potential winner does not respond to any such Prize Notification within three (3) days of the date of issuance or declines the Prize for any reason, a disqualification will result, the Prize will be forfeited and, at Sponsor's sole discretion and time permitting, an alternate potential winner may be randomly selected from among all remaining eligible entries. Each potential winner may be required to submit his/her valid social security number and/or other identification to Sponsor and may be required to execute, have notarized and return an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release of Liability and, unless prohibited by law, Publicity, within five (5) days of date of issuance. Failure to submit any identification required by Sponsor or to return the required documents within the specified time period, noncompliance with these Official Rules or the return of the Prize (or any portion thereof) or Prize Notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and Prize forfeiture and, at Sponsor's sole discretion and time permitting, may cause an alternate potential winner to be randomly selected from among all remaining eligible entries.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY/PUBLICITY RELEASE:  By participating in the Promotion and submitting an entry, each entrant agrees to (i) be bound by these Official Rules, including all entry requirements, and (ii) waive any and all claims against Sponsor, the other MLB Entities, Facebook, Apple, Inc. and each of their respective parents, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, officers, directors, employees, agents, licensees, distributors, dealers, retailers, printers, representatives and advertising and promotion agencies, and any and all other companies associated with the Promotion, and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, "Released Parties") for any injury, damage or loss that may occur, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from the participation in the Promotion or from the receipt or use of any Prize (or any portion thereof) or any travel or activity related to the receipt or use of any Prize (or any portion thereof). By entering this Promotion, each entrant gives his/her express permission to be contacted by Sponsor by telephone, e-mail and/or postal mail for Promotion purposes. Each Winner, by acceptance of the Prize, grants to Sponsor and each of its designees the right to publicize such Winner's name, address (city and state of residence), photograph, voice, statements and/or other likeness and prize information for advertising, promotional, trade and/or any other purpose in any media or format now known or hereafter devised, throughout the world, in perpetuity, without limitation and without further compensation, consideration, permission or notification, unless prohibited by law.

GENERAL CONDITIONS:  All decisions of Sponsor, including the determination of winners, are final and binding on all matters relating to this Promotion. Released Parties are not responsible for stolen, late, incomplete, illegible, inaccurate, misdirected, lost, misrouted, scrambled, damaged, delayed, undelivered, mutilated or garbled entries, transmissions, e-mail or mail; or for lost, interrupted or unavailable network, cable, satellite, server, Internet Service Provider (ISP), wireless network, website, or other connections including those through and/or by any website, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone, cable or wireless transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties; any error, omission, interruption, defect or delay in transmission, processing, or communication; non-delivery; misdirected, blocked, or delayed e-mail notifications; printing, typographical or other errors appearing within these Official Rules, in any Promotion-related advertisements or other materials; or any other errors, problems or difficulties of any kind whether human, mechanical, electronic, network, computer, telephone, mail, typographical, printing or otherwise relating to or in connection with the Promotion, including, without limitation, errors or difficulties which may occur in connection with the administration of the Promotion, the processing of entries, the announcement of the Prize or in any Promotion-related materials, or

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Beltran rips thrilling walk-off blast to beat O's

MLB.COM BINGO

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ODDS OF WINNING A PRIZE WILL DEPEND ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BINGO CARDS ISSUED AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VALID POTENTIAL WINNING BINGO CARDS CLAIMED FOR EACH APPLICABLE POSTSEASON GAME. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. ALL DISPUTES WILL BE RESOLVED SOLELY BY BINDING ARBITRATION AND ENTRANTS WAIVE THE ABILITY TO BRING CLAIMS IN A CLASS ACTION FORMAT.

ELIGIBILITY:  MLB.com Bingo (the "Promotion") is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and Washington, D.C. who are eighteen (18) years of age or older (except in the case of legal residents of certain states where the legal age of majority is greater than eighteen (18) years of age, such legal age of majority) at the time of entry. Employees, officers, and directors (including immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and members of the same household, whether or not related) of MLB Advanced Media, L.P. ("Sponsor"), the other MLB Entities and each of their respective parents, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, licensees, distributors, dealers, retailers, printers, advertising and promotion agencies, and any and all other companies associated with the Promotion are not eligible to participate or win a Prize (defined below). The "MLB Entities" shall mean Sponsor, the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball ("BOC"), its Bureaus, Committees, Subcommittees and Councils, Major League Baseball Enterprises, Inc., Major League Baseball Properties, Inc., the Major League Baseball Clubs ("Clubs"), each of their parent, subsidiary, affiliated and related entities, any entity which, now or in the future, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Clubs or the BOC and the owners, general and limited partners, shareholders, directors, officers, employees and agents of the foregoing entities. The Promotion is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Void where prohibited or restricted by law, rule or regulation.

PROMOTION PERIOD: The Promotion period (the "Promotion Period") begins at 11:00 AM Eastern Time ("ET") on October 5, 2012 and ends upon completion of the final out of the 2012 MLB World Series Championship.

HOW TO ENTER: During the Promotion Period, you may enter the Promotion by clicking on the banners, buttons and/or links within MLB.com Gameday (a free application) and following the instructions provided to register for the Promotion. If you are not already a member of MLB.com, you must become one before you can register to participate in the Contest (membership is free). There is only one (1) way to participate in the Promotion: online. No other method of entry or participation will be accepted. Additional entries beyond the specified limit will be void. Entries generated by script, macro or other automated means will be void. All information submitted online by entrants is subject to, and will be treated in a manner consistent with, MLB.com's Terms of Use accessible at: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/about_mlb_com/terms_of_use.jsp and Privacy Policy accessible at: www.mlb.com/privacy.  All online entries must include a valid e-mail address for the entrant.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:  Upon successful registration, follow the instructions provided to receive one (1) virtual bingo card (the "Bingo Card") for each game of the 2012 MLB Postseason played during the Promotion Period (each, a "Postseason Game"). In addition, during the Promotion Period, participants may utilize sharing functionality available via the Promotion upon completion of a successful Contest (the "Sharing Functionality") to receive two (2) additional Bingo Cards. For each eligible individual any entrant notifies or makes aware of the Promotion who clicks on a valid link made available via the Sharing Functionality identifiable as having come from the entrant, such entrant shall receive two (2) additional Bingo Cards (for a total of three (3) Bingo Cards). No additional Bingo Cards will be received other than through verified Sharing Functionality. There is a limit of three (3) Bingo Cards per person and per e-mail address per Postseason Game. Each Bingo Card shall include a 5x5 grid that includes twenty-five (25) tiles (each, a "Tile"). Each Tile will include one (1) randomly selected game outcome for the active Postseason Game. For example, a participant could have a "Josh Hamilton Double" Tile on their Bingo Card which would be automatically marked in the event Josh Hamilton hits a double during a Postseason Game. Any eligible participant who receives a Bingo Card that becomes marked with five (5) Tiles in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row (each, a "Potential Winning Bingo Card") may be a potential Prize winner, subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these Official Rules. (See the Prize Claim Section below for more information.) For purposes of this Promotion, MLB game outcomes will not be updated to reflect any official MLB statistics changes or corrections that may occur after the completion of any Postseason Game. Once each Postseason Game is final following completion of the final out of that game, it will be final for purposes of this Promotion. In the event any Postseason Game is cancelled, postponed or suspended, all Bingo Cards will be void for that game and Sponsor reserves the right to award the applicable Prizes by way of random drawing from among all eligible participants as of the time of such cancellation, postponement or suspension.

PRIZE CLAIMS: In the event you receive a message within MLB.com Gameday notifying you that you have a Potential Winning Bingo Card, you must claim your Potential Winning Bingo Card by following the onscreen instructions provided by no later than ten (10) minutes following the end of the applicable Postseason Game to be eligible for the Drawing (defined below). Failure to claim your Potential Winning Bingo Card within ten (10) minutes following the end of the applicable Postseason Game will render the Potential Winning Bingo Card void and result in Prize forfeiture.

ALL POTENTIAL WINNING BINGO CARDS ARE SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION BY SPONSOR WHOSE DECISIONS ARE FINAL AND BINDING. AN ENTRANT IS NOT A WINNER OF ANY PRIZE, EVEN IF THE PROMOTION SHOULD SO INDICATE, UNLESS AND UNTIL ENTRANT'S ELIGIBILITY, THE POTENTIAL WINNING BINGO CARD AND ENTRANT'S COMPLIANCE WITH THESE OFFICIAL RULES HAVE BEEN VERIFIED BY SPONSOR AND ENTRANT HAS BEEN NOTIFIED THAT SUCH VERIFICATION IS COMPLETE. SPONSOR WILL NOT ACCEPT SCREEN SHOTS OR OTHER EVIDENCE OF WINNING IN LIEU OF ITS VALIDATION PROCESS.

RANDOM DRAWINGS: Approximately thirty (30) minutes following the final out of each Postseason Game, five (5) potential winners will be selected by random drawing from among all eligible participants who claim valid Potential Winning Bingo Cards for that Postseason Game in accordance with these Official Rules (the "Drawing"). Subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these Official Rules, the potential winners will be declared official winners of the Sweepstakes (each, a "Winner" and collectively, the "Winners"). Odds of winning a Prize will depend on the total number of Bingo Cards issued and the total number of valid Potential Winning Bingo Cards claimed for each applicable Postseason Game. Limit one (1) Prize per person, per family and per household.

PRIZES:  A maximum of two hundred fifteen (215) prizes (each, a "Prize" and collectively, the "Prizes") will be awarded (i.e. five (5) Prizes per each Postseason Game with a maximum of forty-three (43) Postseason Games), as follows:

For up to twenty-two (22) Postseason Games during the 2012 Wild Card Games and the 2012 Division Series, each Winner will receive one (1) Postseason.TV subscription for the remainder of the 2012 MLB Postseason. Approximate retail value ("ARV") of each such Prize: $4.99.

For up to twenty-one (21) Postseason Games during the 2012 League Championship Series and the 2012 MLB World Series Championship, each Winner will receive one (1) MLB.TV Offseason Package subscription. ARV of each such Prize: $24.99.

Total ARV of all Prizes: $3172.85.

For the avoidance of doubt, no Prizes will be awarded in connection with any 2012 MLB Postseason game that is not played because it is not necessary.

PRIZE CONDITIONS: All Prize details to be determined in the sole discretion of Sponsor. Each Winner is fully responsible for any and all applicable federal, state and local taxes (including income and withholding taxes). Postseason.TV subscriptions are subject to blackout and other restrictions - see www.postseason.tv for complete details. All costs and expenses associated with the Prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided including, but not limited to, any and all expenses incurred by accepting the Prize are the sole responsibility of the Winners. The Prizes are non-transferable and non-assignable, with no cash redemptions except at Sponsor's sole and absolute discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any Prize (or any portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value at its sole and absolute discretion.

NOTIFICATION:  Each potential winner will be notified at the e-mail address, postal address and/or telephone number (in the sole discretion of Sponsor) provided at the time of entry (the "Prize Notification"). In the event that any potential winner does not respond to any such Prize Notification within three (3) days of the date of issuance or declines the Prize for any reason, a disqualification will result, the Prize will be forfeited and, at Sponsor's sole discretion and time permitting, an alternate potential winner may be randomly selected from among all remaining eligible entries. Each potential winner may be required to submit his/her valid social security number and/or other identification to Sponsor and may be required to execute, have notarized and return an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release of Liability and, unless prohibited by law, Publicity, within five (5) days of date of issuance. Failure to submit any identification required by Sponsor or to return the required documents within the specified time period, noncompliance with these Official Rules or the return of the Prize (or any portion thereof) or Prize Notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and Prize forfeiture and, at Sponsor's sole discretion and time permitting, may cause an alternate potential winner to be randomly selected from among all remaining eligible entries.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY/PUBLICITY RELEASE:  By participating in the Promotion and submitting an entry, each entrant agrees to (i) be bound by these Official Rules, including all entry requirements, and (ii) waive any and all claims against Sponsor, the other MLB Entities, Facebook, Apple, Inc. and each of their respective parents, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, officers, directors, employees, agents, licensees, distributors, dealers, retailers, printers, representatives and advertising and promotion agencies, and any and all other companies associated with the Promotion, and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, "Released Parties") for any injury, damage or loss that may occur, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from the participation in the Promotion or from the receipt or use of any Prize (or any portion thereof) or any travel or activity related to the receipt or use of any Prize (or any portion thereof). By entering this Promotion, each entrant gives his/her express permission to be contacted by Sponsor by telephone, e-mail and/or postal mail for Promotion purposes. Each Winner, by acceptance of the Prize, grants to Sponsor and each of its designees the right to publicize such Winner's name, address (city and state of residence), photograph, voice, statements and/or other likeness and prize information for advertising, promotional, trade and/or any other purpose in any media or format now known or hereafter devised, throughout the world, in perpetuity, without limitation and without further compensation, consideration, permission or notification, unless prohibited by law.

GENERAL CONDITIONS:  All decisions of Sponsor, including the determination of winners, are final and binding on all matters relating to this Promotion. Released Parties are not responsible for stolen, late, incomplete, illegible, inaccurate, misdirected, lost, misrouted, scrambled, damaged, delayed, undelivered, mutilated or garbled entries, transmissions, e-mail or mail; or for lost, interrupted or unavailable network, cable, satellite, server, Internet Service Provider (ISP), wireless network, website, or other connections including those through and/or by any website, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or

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Jeter climbing hits charts on farewell tour

NEW YORK -- The recent resurgence of Derek Jeter proves once again that no one should ever count out the nearly 40-year-old Yankees captain and leader among American League shortstops in fan voting for the July 15 All-Star Game at Target Field in Minneapolis.

It will be Jeter's 14th and last Midsummer Classic.

Jeter is looking stronger and stronger as the season is growing long. And once again, he is proving his resilience to those he calls "the doubters." That's anyone who believes Jeter is done because of age or the aftermath of a very serious left ankle injury that caused him to miss all except 17 games of the 2013 season.

"I don't think anything he does surprises me just because of his determination," said Joe Girardi, the former catcher who has played with and managed Jeter during the course of his 20-year career. "My biggest concern was, would he be healthy? And when I saw him run during Spring Training and it wasn't necessarily guarded or difficult for him, I felt pretty good about what he could do."

Jeter went 2-for-5 with an RBI on Thursday night as the Yankees finished off a sweep of the Blue Jays with a 6-4 victory, and with 533 doubles, he is one behind the club record held by the great Lou Gehrig. Every time Jeter does something these days, another pinstripe mark seems to fall. Jeter already holds Yanks records for most seasons, games played and hits.

"Anytime you talk about Lou Gehrig, regarding anything, it's pretty special to be mentioned in the same sentence," Jeter said. "It would be an honor if that were to happen."

One can project a few generations ahead when some future Yankees great might be saying the same thing about Jeter.

Just as many observers began to wonder whether missing a season because of the broken ankle was too much for even Jeter to overcome, he has stepped it up a gear. He's had six multiple-hit games -- four in a row at one point -- in his last nine and is batting .405 (15-for-37) over that span.

"I feel good," Jeter said. "I told you guys that before, if I feel good, the results will be there. Sometimes they're not there, but you keep working. It's not an easy game to play. I just want to feel good. That's it."

Jeter is an essential cog in this club's apparatus, just as he has been on five World Series champions, seven AL pennant winners and 17 teams that went to the postseason during his tenure.

"He's a driven individual. That's the way the great ones are," said Blue Jays manager John Gibbons. "He's one of those guys, too, he's going to go out in style. He's not going to fade away. He's going to do it right."

Only days after the passing of Padres icon Tony Gwynn at 54, it is germane to compare how the careers of these two great players ended. Both played 20 years. Both played for one team. Gwynn, with eight National League batting titles, had the personal hardware. Jeter has the team rings. Gwynn is in the Hall of Fame, and in five years, Jeter will be there.

Their careers overlapped for five full seasons, and as Gwynn's tapered off in 2001, Jeter and the Yankees headed to the World Series for the fifth time in six postseasons. That year, Gwynn, then 41, was so hobbled by knee injuries, he did fade away, only taking 102 at-bats in 71 games.

On Aug. 11 that season, Gwynn started against the Pirates at new PNC Park and had a double, two hits, two runs scored and a pair of RBIs in three at-bats. He was replaced late in that game by Mike Darr, his heir apparent, who was killed the following Spring Training in a car crash. Gwynn, a five-time Gold Glove Award winner, would never play right field again. It was his last multihit game.

The next day, Gwynn told manager Bruce Bochy not to start him anymore. He pinch-hit for the rest of the season, and upon reaching base, he was immediately replaced by a runner. Gwynn batted .324, but he had only 33 hits that season, finishing with 3,141.

Jeter has 69 hits already this season, and at 3,385, he is quickly closing the gap between himself and seventh-place finisher Carl Yastrzemski at 3,419. Honus Wagner, who Gwynn matched with the eight silver bats, is also within reach at 3,430. But Tris Speaker at 3,514 seems unapproachable.

If Jeter remains healthy, he will finish with the most hits of anyone since 1986, when Pete Rose ended his career with a record 4,256.

None of these players, not even Gwynn, missed just about an entire season because of injury. That could explain Jeter's stops, starts and .137 batting average during the past Spring Training. Jeter's average dipped as low as .254 on June 8. But the next day, all the hitting started. He's at .276 now, 36 points below his lifetime mark of .312.

It would seem that Jeter, after missing all that time, is just getting his legs back, so to speak.

"I think it had a lot to do with it," Girardi said. "Baseball players are meant to have three or four months off, not a year. It's strange when you don't see live pitching. You have to get used to the speed of the game and playing every day. That takes time. I think he has enough at-bats under his belt now, he's obviously more comfortable playing every day."

Barry M. Bloom is a national reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, Boomskie on Baseball. Follow @boomskie on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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