Derek Jeter injects spark to power up Yankees' 6-5 upset over Tampa Bay Rays

Derek Jeter returned to the New York Yankees' line-up - again - with customary flair, making an immediate impact on a team desperate for power.

Jeter homered on the first pitch from Tampa Bay's Matt Moore, connecting soon after being activated from the disabled list for the second time this month. "It was fun - I'm tired," Jeter said. "I worked hard to try to get back on the field."

The captain's drive ended the Yankees' nine-game homerless drought and helped them beat the Rays 6-5 to avoid a three-game sweep. It was New York's first long ball by a right-hander since June 25.

Jeter received a loud ovation and came out for a very quick curtain call, waving his cap from the next-to-top step of the Yankees dugout.

"Derek provided a lot of spark for them," Rays manager Joe Maddon said.

The 13-time All-Star played shortstop for the first time this season and went 2 for 4 with an intentional walk and two runs scored. He was on base for Alfonso Soriano's two-run drive in the third and for his game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth.

"A lot of great memories here with Sori," he said of his teammate from 1999 to 2003, "and it was almost like old times." To make room for Jeter, the Yankees placed designated hitter Travis Hafner on the disabled list with a right rotator cuff strain. Hafner has slumped to a .205 average. He hit the last of his 12 homers on June 25, a span of 67 at-bats.