The New
York Yankees have announced that Derek Jeter is on a fast recovery from his
fractured ankle, even faster than many had expected. General manager Brian
Cashman stated that the future Hall-of-Fame shortstop may find himself in Spring
Training game action on or close to March 10.
MLB.com’s
Bryan Hoch reports that Jeter has only recently resumed baseball activities
after suffering his injury during the 2012 ALCS in October. Jeter began running
on the field on Saturday, February 23, but he feels that a March 10 return
to action is very possible. Said Jeter, "I was a couple of weeks behind what everyone else was doing when I
first got here, so on that schedule I don't see any reason why not. I don't
think anything's set in stone, but it seems like it's attainable."
Cashman stated that Jeter will likely begin play as the Yankees’
designated hitter. Even with fewer Spring Training at bats than normal, Jeter
can still possibly play on Opening Day. Jeter claims that fewer at bats will
not impact his ability to perform in the regular season. The 18-year veteran
knows how ready he is when the season begins.
The
Yankees will need Jeter to perform as he always has in light of the loss of the
powerful Curtis Granderson for the first month and a half of the regular
season. Granderson suffered a fractured right forearm in Sunday’s Spring
Training game with the Toronto Blue Jays. Having Jeter back in the lineup will
make up for much of that lost run production.
Sources:
Aaron
Gleeman, Derek Jeter Hoping to Make Spring Debut on March 10, hardballtalk.nbcsports.com,
February 25, 2013.
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