Derek Jeter to return to Yankees lineup on Thursday

American baseball shortstop Derek Jeter will reportedly return to the Yankees lineup on Thursday after an eight-month hiatus, GM Brian Cashman said.

"After the game last night, after [Travis] Hafner got hurt, we looked at the weather patterns and I just decided to make the move for today. Derek was scheduled to DH in Scranton, so I figured, he could DH and sit around in the rain in Scranton, or he can DH and sit around in the rain in the Bronx. We chose the Bronx," Cashman told ESPNNewYork.com

Cashman added that he wasn't sure whether Jeter would play as a shortstop or as designated hitter during Thursday's game against the Kansas City Royals.

"We'll talk about it with Joe [Girardi] and see what we decide to do," he said.

The 39-year-old ballplayer has missed the entire season while recuperating from a broken ankle he got during last season's American League Championship Series.

After playing his fourth minor league game with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday night, Jeter said he felt "good."

"I feel good," he said after playing seven innings. "There were a lot of different situations that happened, but everything was good."

Asked about his return to the Yankees, Jeter said he was excited to get back.

"It's not up to me but I'm excited to get the opportunity to get back as soon as I can," he said.