MLB

Joe Torre’s ruling delays Derek Jeter’s milestone hit

Derek Jeter has been collecting milestone hits throughout the season.

On Tuesday, he had one taken away, or at least postponed.

The ground ball Jeter hit on Aug. 8 that initially tied Honus Wagner for sixth all-time, was changed to an error on Cleveland first baseman Carlos Santana by Joe Torre, now an executive vice president with Major League Baseball, after the Indians challenged the ruling.

“You thought I was going to bash Mr. T. because he makes the decisions,” Jeter said before the Yankees’ 7-4 loss to the Astros at the Stadium.

For those keeping score, Jeter hit No. 3,430 with a single on Aug. 9 against Cleveland and then moved into sole possession of sixth with a double off Bud Norris on Aug. 11.

“So there’s no story,” said Jeter, who went 0-for-4 Tuesday. “I got the other ball.”

Steve Donohue, the Yankees trainer, took care of that.

“If it was the last hit I’d ever gotten it would be a story,” said Jeter, who was back at short after two straight games as the designated hitter.

Stephen Drew, still mired in a slump that has lasted nearly his entire season, was held out of the lineup again.

Manager Joe Girardi said Drew was fine.


Masahiro Tanaka is scheduled to throw his second bullpen session in his rehab from a partially torn ligament in his elbow on Wednesday. In his first session, Tanaka threw just fastballs. He will need to mix in some breaking balls for the Yankees to find out how close he is to rejoining the rotation.


David Phelps, on the disabled list since Aug. 4 with elbow inflammation, was scheduled to see the doctor again Tuesday.

Girardi said he still is unsure what Phelps’ role will be when he does return.

“How we use him depends on how much time it takes him to get back,” said Girardi, acknowledging Phelps could go to the bullpen because there is no pressing need in the rotation, and it would take less time for the right-hander to be ready.

Phelps, who threw from 60 feet on Monday, said his elbow had improved.
“It’s been well over a week since I felt anything, which is good news,” Phelps said.


Brian McCann hit his 14th homer, a two-run shot.

Girardi said though he is slightly more worried about McCann since his return from the concussion DL, he does not intend to let it alter the catcher’s playing time going forward.

“I don’t think you can play scared,” Girardi said. “I don’t think you can play conservative with that.”

Nevertheless, Girardi said he will keep an eye on McCann.

“Do I worry more about foul tips to the mask with Brian now than I did before?” Girardi said. “A little bit.”


Tiger Woods watched some of batting practice before the game.

— Additional reporting by Fred Kerber