Johnny Damon Returns and He Brings the Bats With Him

Sidney Ponson should pitch every night.

The Yankees are now 4-0 when Sir Sidney starts, backing him with an astounding 10.3 runs per game, following the 12-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins Monday night.

But probably a more realistic reason for the Bombers' sudden offensive explosion was the return of Johnny Damon from the disabled list. 

The designated hitter went 1-4 with an RBI double and a run scored, but more importantly, he added depth to a struggling lineup that finally broke out for 16 hits.  In the previous 13 games without their lead-off hitter, the Yanks scored just 3.3 runs per game.

Damon's return also comes at just the right time because Jorge Posada went on the DL Monday with recurring shoulder problems.  This has no impact defensively because Jose Molina has proven to be the superior catcher, but the loss of Posada's bat is another knock to a lineup that is already without Hideki Matsui. 

However, if Molina gets three hits every night like he did on Monday, maybe New York will survive after all.

Here are the grades from the Yankees' fourth straight victory.

Joe Girardi, Manager: (A) Michael Kay detailed during the game's broadcast how great of a job Girardi has done handling his bullpen this year and he did it again on Monday, using Edwar Ramirez, David Robertson and LaTroy Hawkins to close the door on a Ponson win.

The Yankees bullpen has thrown the second-most innings in the league this year, but no Pinstripe reliever is in the top 15 in the AL in appearances.  Quite a refreshing change from the days of Joe Torre wringing Scott Proctor's arm through a meat grinder.

Johnny Damon, DH: (B-) It really helps out an offense when you can stick a .319 hitter back at the top.

Derek Jeter, SS: (A+) Vintage Jeter on Monday.  The Captain went 2-5 with an RBI single and a solo homer.

Bobby Abreu, RF: (A) 2-4 with and RBI and two runs scored.  Abreu also made a great throw home early in the game that should've been his tenth outfield assist of the season, but either Molina missed the tag or the ump missed the call.

Alex Rodriguez, 3B: (A+) A-Rod's two-run shot was his 21st of the year.  He also added an RBI single.

Jason Giambi, 1B: (D+) No moustaches allowed at this party.  Giambi was the only starter held hitless, as he picked up the hat trick by striking out three times.  He did walk once, though.

Robinson Cano, 2B: (A+) Cano continued his torrid start to the second half, going 2-5 with a home run.

Melky Cabrera, CF: (A) When Cano and Cabrera each get two hits, chances are, the Yankees are going to win.  Melky also added a nice defensive play in center.

Jose Molina, C: (A+) Not a bad start for the new full-time starting catcher.  Molina went 3-4 and the only time he got out was on a ground ball to the right side which moved Cabrera to third with less than two outs in the third inning.

Brett Gardner, LF: (C) 1-4 with a run scored.  He needs to start laying down some bunts.

Chad Moeller, PH-DH: (INC) Pinch hit for Damon during garbage time.  Moeller will see more time now that Posada is on the DL.  Look for him to start Wednesday's afternoon game.

Justin Christian, PH-RF: (C) Walked and scored pinch hitting for Abreu.

Wilson Betemit, 3B: (C) Entered as a defensive replacement for A-Rod and then picked up a hit.

Richie Sexson, 1B: (C-) Entered for Giambi and then picked up a walk.

Sidney Ponson, SP: (C+) Typical Ponson:  allow too many base runners, but escape a few jams enough times to pick up the win when your team scores a ton of runs for you.  He's 6-1 by the way...6-1.

Edwar Ramirez, RP: (A) Struck out the only batter he faced to end the sixth.

David Robertson, RP: (A) A perfect seventh with one K.

LaTroy Hawkins, RP: (A) Gave up a hit but struck out two over two scoreless innings to wrap this one up.

Yankees Overall Grade: (A-) Great hitting and good enough pitching to pick up their fourth win in four tries since the All Star break.  The Yankees now move just one back of the Twins and 2.5 behind the Red Sox (as they play at Seattle) in the Wild Card standings.

Jordan Schwartz is Bleacher Report's Yankees Community Leader. His book "Memoirs of the Unaccomplished Man" is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and authorhouse.com.