Soriano likely activated by weekend

Rafael Soriano isn't likely to be activated Wednesday, as many, including the setup man, thought would be the case. But it's not the result of a physical setback, Joe Girardi said.

Because Soriano, on the DL since May 14 with inflammation in his right elbow, pitched back-to-back games for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday and Monday.

"He's thrown two days in a row and we want to make sure when we do bring him back, he is recovered," Girardi said. "So we'll see how he feels [Wednesday] and then we'll go from there."

The likely option is Soriano being activated before this weekend's series against the Orioles. Thursday is a day off.

Girardi said Soriano, who did not appear in the clubhouse before the game, felt "good" when he arrived at the ballpark.

"[Just] the normal soreness that you'd have after throwing two days and you hadn't thrown for a while," Girardi said. "Our plan is to activate him soon."

Jeter power surge

Derek Jeter entered Tuesday night 7-for-15 on the homestand, with one homer, one triple, one double, four runs and seven RBIs, raising his average to .273 and OBP to .337. He went 0-for-4.

"I just see him driving the ball better," Girardi said. "And it's different pitches, not just fastballs . . . I said a month or two ago, I wouldn't bet against Derek Jeter."

Gardner leads off again

With Doug Fister on the mound, Jeter hit second and Brett Gardner led off.

"It's something we're looking at because we like what Gardy's doing," Girardi said. "He creates a lot of problems when he's at the top of the lineup and you have three guys in a row that can run."

Belly up

RHP David Robertson will serve as a guest bartender Wednesday night from 7-9 at Foley's NY -- located at 18 W. 33rd St. between Fifth and Broadway -- to raise money for his hometown of Tuscaloosa, Ala.