CINCINNATI — Ask Joe Girardi tomorrow and the answer will be the same as it was Tuesday and Wednesday: When Derek Jeter returns to the Yankees, he is going to bat first.

“These guys have done a great job,’’ Girardi said Wednesday of Nick Swisher and Brett Gardner, who have batted leadoff since Jeter went on the disabled list June 14. “I will put him in the leadoff spot. He has been our leadoff hitter all year.’’

Girardi said he doesn’t know when Jeter’s strained right calf will allow him to return. He is eligible to come off the DL on June 29.

“The biggest thing is getting him healthy,’’ Girardi said. “We won’t know until he starts running. Calves are tricky because one explosive movement and …’’

Jeter is in Tampa working out at the Yankees’ minor league headquarters, where he played catch but didn’t run.

Eric Chavez, on the DL with a fractured foot, took batting practice and ground balls at first base and third.

Bartolo Colon (strained left hamstring) long tossed.