Eric Chavez returns to Yankees' lineup

Eric Chavez was activiated from the 60-day disabled list and given the start at third base for the New York Yankees on Tuesday night against the Seattle Mariners. The oft-injured six-time Gold Glove winner broke a bone in his left foot on May 5 after just 17 games. He had several setbacks during his rehab, dealing with kidney stones, a bad back and an abdominal strain. Manager Joe Girardi said Eduardo Nunez will still see the bulk of the playing time while Alex Rodriguez is out until mid-August rehabbing his surgically repaired right knee. Chavez was hitting .303 with six RBIs in 33 at-bats in his first season with the Yankees. The Yankees optioned Brandon Laird to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make room for Chavez.