Geoff Jenkins, playing in his first game in nearly 10 months, slugged
a two-run homer to carry the Brewers past the Pirates 3-2 on April
9. "It's a big boost having him back," said manager Ned Yost. "His
presence really helps. He's that type of player. It was just like him
to step in and help right away." Jenkins, who hit 34 homers in 2000,
tore multiple ligaments while badly dislocating his right ankle June
17 against Houston and didn't play again. He needed months of
rehabilitation, then was sidelined for most of spring training with a
sore left wrist. "Obviously, it's nice to come back and contribute,"
said Jenkins, who also missed more than a third of the 2001 season
with injuries. "I wasn't expecting too much the first day back. I was
actually pretty nervous. It's been a long time. I haven't played
since June. This was a big game for me."