Jeter plays six innings, wraps rehab

Derek Jeter told reporters he was uncomfortable throughout his second and final rehab appearance for the Double-A Trenton Thunder on Sunday.

His right calf muscle was pain-free. Rather, Jeter was lamenting the Thunder's Independence Day uniforms, which he wore for six innings.

The Yankees captain singled, walked and struck out in three plate appearances and committed a throwing error in the Thunder's 8-1 loss to the visiting Altoona Curve.

Trenton, which had been undefeated in each of Jeter's previous rehab appearances, enjoyed its largest ever crowd at 9,212. It broke the record of 9,134 that jammed Mercer County Waterfront Park on May 23, 2007, to see Roger Clemens pitch.

One night after going 1-for-2 with a double in his five-inning rehab debut, Jeter collected his lone base knock -- his 550th in the Minors -- on a bunt. Batting leadoff, he told reporters he simply saw an opportunity with the infield back.

"It's something I would do during the course of the season," he said. "Why not try it here?"

Asked if he squared around on his own, Jeter said: "I don't know the signs."

The 12-time All Star -- his latest selection was announced earlier Sunday -- does know the verbiage in New York, though he was flying to Cleveland on Sunday night to rejoin his Yankee teammates for their series against the Indians. Jeter, 37, deferred to general manager Brian Cashman as to whether he would play Monday. Cashman said it was very likely he would.

"I don't like sitting out," Jeter said. "Unfortunately, if you play long enough, you're going to have some injuries. I am looking forward to getting back."

Sidelined since June 14, Jeter remains six hits shy of 3,000 for his career. He was slated to play the seventh inning for Trenton before it began to rain. Earlier, he helped turn two double plays but also allowed Altoona's Starling Marte to reach in the fifth on a throwing miscue.

Thunder starter Manny Banuelos gave up four runs -- one earned -- on seven hits over 4 2/3 innings. The Yankees' No. 3 prospect tied a season high with eight strikeouts.