Didi Gregorius welcomed to lineup for Red Sox

The New York Yankees welcomed the return of shortstop Didi Gregorius to the lineup for the opening game of their series against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night.

Gregorius, who suffered torn cartilage in his right wrist almost a week ago, was batting sixth. The 28-year-old infielder was cleared Wednesday to resume baseball activities after it was initially thought he might miss the final regular-season series and some of the team's postseason play.

The Yankees will face the Oakland Athletics in the American League wild-card game on Oct. 4.

Gregorius suffered the injury sliding headfirst into home plate to score the winning run last Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles.

He is batting .268 with 27 home runs and 86 RBIs. The Yankees team entered play Friday night two games ahead of the A's for home-field advantage in the wild-card game.