Derek Jeter returns, Eliot Spitzer gathers signatures: Top 5 stories for Thursday

Derek Jeter ooks on from the dugout during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. (April 28, 2013) Photo Credit: AP / Evan Vucci

Jeter’s back
Derek Jeter is back in the Yankees’ lineup Thursday afternoon for the first time since breaking his ankle in last year’s American League Championship Series. Jeter is the Bombers’ designated hitter and is batting second against the Kansas City Royals.

Spitzer deadline approaches
Former Gov. Eliot Spitzer and his team on Thursday will attempt to collect the final signatures needed to get his name placed on the September ballot for city comptroller. Spitzer, who resigned as governor in 2008 amid a prostitution scandal, needs 3,750 signatures by midnight.

Mayoral hopefuls hit campaign trail
The city’s mayoral candidates will again be spread out throughout the city Thursday while trying to win over would-be voters. Among the events, Bill de Blasio, Anthony Weiner, John Catsimatidis, John Liu and Sal Albanese will attend a mayoral forum focused on seniors.

Latin sounds at Central Park
Latin music will permeate through Central Park on Thursday night, as Lila Downs, Natalia Clavier, Pamela Rodriguez and Raul Campos perform at SummerStage. The free show, hosted by the Latin Alternative Music Conference, runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Free orchestra concert in Queens
The New York Philharmonic Orchestra will bring its Concerts in the Parks series to Cunningham Park, which straddles Fresh Meadows and Bayside in Queens, Thursday night. The free show begins at 8 p.m. at the 193rd Street field.