– The Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. – New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter hit in his first simulated game since going on the disabled list earlier this month with a strained right calf.

Jeter batted against a minor league right-hander Monday at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla.

The Yankees captain also showed improved mobility during infield drills, making leaping throws to first after fielding two grounders back-handed between shortstop and third and spin moves on a pair of balls up the middle.

The 39-year-old ran six sprints in the outfield, but did not run the bases, which is a key step before playing in games.

Jeter broke his left ankle in the AL championship series in October and missed the first 91 games this year.

Since then the 13-time All-Star, who is hitting .211 (4 for 19) with one home run and two RBI, has spent time on the DL with a strained right quadriceps and the calf injury.

BRAVES: A former college classmate has sued Ryan Braun for defamation and emotional distress, saying the Milwaukee Brewers slugger lied about why their friendship fell apart after a business deal went sour.

The lawsuit filed in Milwaukee last month by law student Ralph Sasson says Braun’s agent hired him in 2011 to do legal research aimed at clearing Braun after the left fielder tested positive for steroid use.

Sasson says the agent later asked him to investigate the man who collected Braun’s urine, and Braun personally asked him to prank call two journalists working on a story about the failed drug test.

He says his friendship with Braun ended after Sasson demanded payment for his work.

Braun accepted a 65-game suspension last month but has yet to publicly admit using performance-enhancing drugs.

RAYS: Tampa Bay activated outfielder Desmond Jennings from the 15-day DL and optioned pitcher Brandon Gomes to Triple-A Durham.

Jennings fractured his left middle finger on Aug. 3. He’s batting .258 with 11 homers and 40 RBI, along with a team-high 17 stolen bases.

Jenning was in the starting lineup Monday night against the Orioles. He batted leadoff and was in center field.

To make room for Jennings, the Rays optioned right-hander Brandon Gomes to Triple-A Durham..

RANGERS: Texas plans to purchase Travis Blackley’s contract from Triple-A Round Rock for the left-hander to start Tuesday against the Houston Astros, the team that just traded him.

Texas, which acquired Blackley last week, will have to make another move before Tuesday’s game to add Blackley to its 25-man roster.

Blackley will fill in for Alexi Ogando, who has an inflamed nerve in his right shoulder. Blackley was 1-1 with a 4.89 ERA in 42 relief appearances for Houston this season before being designated for assignment Aug. 8.

ANGELS: Albert Pujols is done for the season because of an injured left foot, the Angels said prior to Monday’ game against Cleveland. He hasn’t played since July 26.

A partially torn plantar fascia has bothered him all season, forcing the first baseman to mostly become a designated hitter.

The 33-year-old Pujols hit .258 with 17 home runs and 64 RBI this year. This is the first time the three-time NL MVP finished with fewer than 30 homers in his 13-season major league career.