Melky Cabrera back in White Sox lineup after wrist sprain

CHICAGO -- White Sox outfielder Melky Cabrera returned to the starting lineup Monday against the New York Yankees after missing five games with a mild right wrist sprain.

Cabrera originally hurt his wrist when he tried for a diving catch during a 13-2 loss at Cleveland on June 18. The switch hitter aggravated the injury during a 4-0 loss to the Twins last Tuesday.

Manager Robin Ventura said Cabrera swung the bat Sunday and felt pretty good. The Yankees also had left-hander CC Sabathia on the mound, and Cabrera never felt the injury when he hit from the right side.

"You like him in the lineup no matter what," Ventura said.

Cabrera hit .294 with eight homers and 39 RBI in his first 74 games this year. He made his major league debut with the Yankees in 2005.