Yankees captain Derek Jeter to begin baseball-related activities 'next week or the week after'

Yankees captain Derek Jeter to begin baseball-related activities 'next week or the week after'

 

TAMPA –  Derek Jeter confirmed that he has been cleared to resume baseball activities when questioned about his declarations that he would be fully recovered from his fractured left ankle and able to be the Yankees' Opening Day shortstop.

“Why not?” Jeter said Wednesday night before the kickoff party for his Turn 2 Foundation celebrity golf tournament at the Hard Rock Cafe Hotel and Casino. “I've been saying it all along.

“I've gotten the OK for baseball activities. I've been cleared, but I am not doing them yet. I am right where I need to be physically.”

Jeter, 38, had surgery to repair the ankle he fractured in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on Oct. 20. The shortstop wore a protective walking boot and was restricted from activities until “just after Christmas” and has been doing rehab work at the team's spring training complex since the beginning of the month.

So far he has just worked with the complex's underwater treadmill and will begin baseball-related activities “next week or the week after.” During the three-day charity golf event, Jeter said he would only putt, but that is because his golf game “is bad.”

The Yankees captain has the same confidence in his team this season, despite the fact the squad has not addressed its need in the outfield and has a closer, Mariano Rivera, and starter, CC Sabathia, coming into spring training off of surgery.

“We are always full of surprises,” Jeter said. “We'll see where we are. We are always pretty competitive.”

Part of the Yankees being competitive this season could hinge on the return of third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who had surgery on his hip Wednesday.

“You always want everyone to be healthy," Jeter said. "I hope the surgery went well and he can get back as soon as possible."

With the list of veteran Yankees coming off of surgery heading into spring training this season, Jeter was asked if the team was too old. Jeter, who hit .316 and led the majors in hits with 216 last season, bristled at the question of the aging Yankees..

“Old or experienced?” he shot back. “Which word do you want to use?”