Derek Jeter hits 250th career home run

Derek Jeter’s liner to left field in the fifth inning Friday off Franklin Morales was his 250th career home run. He moved into fifth place all-time among players who have played at least half of their games at shortstop:

1. Alex Rodriguez – 644
2. Cal Ripken Jr. – 431
3. Miguel Tejada – 304
4. Robin Yount – 251
5. Derek Jeter – 250
6. Jose Valentin – 249
7. Vern Stephens – 247
8. Nomar Garciaparra – 229
9. Barry Larkin – 198
10. Jay Bell – 195

Jeter will likely finish his career third on the that list, considering that A-Rod’s tenure at third base is set to overtake his time at shortstop next year.

Jeter also moved into a tie for ninth place on the Yankees’ all-time home run list:

1. Babe Ruth – 659
2. Mickey Mantle – 536
3. Lou Gehrig – 493
4. Joe DiMaggio – 361
5. Yogi Berra – 358
6. Alex Rodriguez – 299
7. Bernie Williams – 287
8. Jorge Posada – 275
9. Derek Jeter – 250
9. Graig Nettles – 250

Dodgers southpaw Clayton Kershaw is nearing his return to the mound, according to club manager Dave Roberts. Both Kershaw (left biceps tendinitis) and fellow lefty Rich Hill (left middle finger blister) are scheduled to toss simulated games on Saturday; depending on the outcome, Roberts says Kershaw could forgo a minor league assignment and slot back into the rotation by Thursday.

Kershaw, 30, was diagnosed with biceps tendinitis as the team closed out their Mexico Series at the start of the month. He has not made a start in several weeks, but was finally able to resume throwing on Sunday and managed to get through two successful bullpen sessions. Though Dodgers’ ace hasn’t been completely injury-free over his 11-year career in the majors, this is the first significant issue he’s had with his pitching arm so far. The team is expected to take every precaution with the lefty, and will likely limit him to just four innings during Saturday’s simulated game.

Prior to his injury, Kershaw was working on another dominant run with the club, sporting a 2.86 ERA, 2.0 BB/9 and 9.8 SO/9 through his first 44 innings of the season. While Kershaw, Hill and left-handed starter Hyun-Jin Ryu served their respective terms on the disabled list this month, the Dodgers utilized a combination of relievers Ross Stripling and Brock Stewart, both of whom impressed during their limited time in the rotation.