Brett Gardner has been out of action since April 17; he played in just nine games this year before going out with various elbow woes. He tried several rehab-assignment games for Yankees affiliates in both Charleston and Scranton, but couldn't play more than four of them, going 1-for-11.

That's why this news item is a bit surprising:

Lineup card lists Brett Gardner and David Aardsma as active. Steve Pearce and Justin Thomas not listed.

— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) September 25, 2012

The reason Steve Pearce isn't listed is because he got the dreaded designated-for-assignment status Tuesday, according to a tweet from Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Gardner had been on the 60-day disabled list, meaning he didn't count against the 40-man roster limit; activating him meant the Yankees needed a 40-man spot, and Pearce was the odd man out.

It seems likely that Gardner will be used strictly as a pinch-runner, given that he was having trouble hitting during the long rehab from the elbow injury. With winning your division being so important this year, the Yankees obviously want every edge they can find.