Matsui to return for Yankees

The New York Yankees are optimistic left-fielder Hideki Matsui could return as early as Tuesday.

Matsui has been on the disabled list since June 27 with inflammation in his left knee and it was initially thought he would be out for the remainder of the season, but the veteran opted to put off surgery.

Matsui, 34, took 15 simulated swings Sunday at New York's minor league complex in Tampa, Florida after playing in three games for the Class A Tampa Yankees in a rehab assignment without any swelling in the knee.

"It's a big bat to get back in the line-up," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

"Hideki has obviously been an integral part of this line-up for the past four or five years. He'll be a welcome addition."

Girardi said that Matsui would be used as the designated hitter for the remainder of the season to lessen the amount of stress on the knee.

He aggravated the knee while playing the outfield during the Yankees' series in Houston from June 13-15. After suffering the injury, Matsui played in four games as the DH before going on the DL.

Matsui is batting .323 with seven home runs and 34 RBI in 69 games this season. He also has been productive with runners in scoring position (.338), an area where the Yankees have struggled, especially recently.

The Yankees open a six-game road trip in Toronto on Tuesday.