Jose Caballero returned to the Yankees' lineup Friday night, starting at shortstop against Tampa Bay after a 10-day injured list stint with a broken right middle finger. The 29-year-old suffered the injury on May 10 when diving back to first base on a pickoff attempt, despite wearing a sliding mitt.

Caballero's activation comes with the Yankees needing stability at shortstop. In 39 starts this season, he's hitting .249 with four homers, 13 RBI and 13 stolen bases. Anthony Volpe struggled in his absence, batting just .217 with a .707 OPS over the same span. The Yankees optioned top prospect Spencer Jones to Triple-A to make room for Caballero's return.

New York also welcomed back ace Gerrit Cole from the 15-day IL following Tommy John surgery recovery. Cole started Friday's game, marking his first regular season appearance since the 2024 World Series. Trent Grisham returned to the leadoff spot in center field after missing one game with knee pain that showed no structural damage.

These moves signal the Yankees are getting healthier at the right time, with both middle infield stability and their ace pitcher back in the fold. The team had lost the final two games of their Toronto series before Friday's matchup with Tampa Bay.