Mattingly Is Activated by Yankees

NEW YORK —  Don Mattingly, sidelined since July 25 because of a stiff lower back, was activated by the New York Yankees Tuesday.

Mattingly is hitting .245 this season in 343 at-bats with five home runs and 35 runs batted in. He has not hit a home run since May 20. Mattingly’s last appearance was July 24 at Texas. He was placed on the 21-day disabled list the next day.

“I was sure I would be back--that was never a question,” Mattingly said before Tuesday night’s game against the Rangers. “In fact, I thought I would be back before this, but it took more time than I expected to come around. “I have no goals. I’m not looking to do anything offensively or defensively very special. All I want to do is play and stay healthy and not experience any more pain.”

Mattingly did not play in the Yankees’ 5-4 victory Tuesday.