Derek Jeter hit a home run today on the very first pitch he saw as he returned to the Yankees' lineup - again - after twice breaking his ankle and then pulling his quad muscle.

Jeter's home run came off of Tampa Bay pitcher, Matt Moore.

''Hopefully I can help in any way, but we need contributions from a lot of people,'' said Jeter, who made his season debut at shortstop. ''It's not like I'm some savior coming in here all of a sudden we're just going to start winning.''

The captain's drive ended the Yankees' nine-game homerless drought. 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.

Jeter, a 13-time All-Star, had his much-anticipated return July 11 - as the designated hitter - after missing the Yankees' first 91 games because of a twice broken ankle. He was first injured during the opener of the AL championship series in October. But he sustained a Grade 1 strained of his right quadriceps running out a groundball against Kansas City and went right back on the disabled list.

Fourth in the AL East, the Yankees have gone 4-8 during his second absence and are 54-50. New York has scored fewer runs than all but three teams in the American League this season.

Manager Joe Girardi hopes he'll be penciling the Yankees' career hits leader in the batting order nearly every day from now on.

''It changes our lineup. There's no doubt about that,'' he said. ''And just his presence is important to this club. It's been important for such a long time.''

A favorable schedule should help keep Jeter playing every day at the start. The Yankees have off-days Monday and Thursday next week, then only play six games before their next open day.

 Jeter Hits Dramatic Home Run

Girardi said he's been preaching a cautious approach for Jeter when he runs the bases, at least in the first few games of his comeback, to protect the leg. But the always-all-out Jeter had difficulty embracing the concept while dressing in the Yankees clubhouse before Sunday's game.

''I'll try it,'' Jeter said. ''It's kind of hard because I've never really done it. It's not like I'm going to be jogging to first base. I can't do it. I don't think I can do that. We'll see, I'll try.''

Jeter's dramatic home run today for the Yankees will be needed more often in the future as New York fights to make the playoffs. '