Originally published Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 8:30 PM

Derek Jeter homers twice, raises batting average 20 points

Derek Jeter quit thinking about it and just started trying to hit the ball again. That philosophy is starting to pay off for the New York...

By The Associated Press

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ARLINGTON, Texas — Derek Jeter quit thinking about it and just started trying to hit the ball again. That philosophy is starting to pay off for the New York Yankees and their much-scrutinized leadoff hitter.

Jeter homered twice after going 62 games without a long ball and finished with four hits to raise his batting average 20 points as the Yankees beat the Texas Rangers 12-5 on Sunday, winning two of three.

"Everybody needs a day like this, regardless if you're swinging well or you're not swinging well," Jeter said. "I just want to be comfortable. ... It's pretty difficult to hit when you're sitting around trying to think of too many things, and I found myself thinking of things early on."

Under a microscope all season as he started slowly after a 2010 drop-off, the 36-year-old Jeter also had three runs batted in and his first stolen base of the year while raising his batting average from .256 to .276.

"He told me the other day he's starting to feel good and he showed it today," said CC Sabathia. "He's been a good player for a long time. ... Sitting on the bench, he had an at-bat and said, 'I'm feeling good.' That's exciting to hear."

Notes

• The New York Mets placed right-hander Chris Young on the disabled list with shoulder tightness that prevented him from making his last scheduled start.

The team also transferred Johan Santana to the 60-day DL to free up space on the 40-man roster. Santana has been rehabbing in Florida after shoulder surgery last September.

• Boston has placed shortstop Marco Scutaro on the 15-day disabled list with a strained oblique and called up infielder Jose Iglesias from Class AAA Pawtucket.

• Philadelphia has placed catcher Carlos Ruiz on the disabled list because of inflammation in his back.

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