The New York Yankees are preparing to play without their future Hall of Fame shortstop on Opening Day, according to an MLB.com
Derek Jeter broke his left ankle in the American League Championship Series last year during Game 1. He injured it while diving to his left to field ground ball by Detroit Tigers shortstop Jonny Peralta, according to ESPN.com. The Tigers swept the Yankees, 4-0.
Jeter received an anti-inflammatory cortisone shot in the injured ankle on Wednesday. Brian Cashman, the Yankees general manager, believes Jeter’s injury is not a big deal, but he might have to miss some time during the regular season.
"I just can't rule it out," Cashman said, according to MLB.com. "We've got to do what's right for him. Whatever is right for him, it will be right for us."
He said Jeter could be on the disabled list on April 1, the Yankees Opening Day game. It would be the first time in 12 years, Jeter's missed an Opening Day.
"I mean, he broke his ankle less than six months ago," Yankees ace CC Sabathia said, according to MLB.com. "Would you like to have him out there? Of course. But realistically, if he's not, I think him being healthy in the long run is what we look for. Being healthy Game 1 of the playoffs or October is better than him being healthy for Opening Day."
Jeter played in spring training games, according to USA Today. He began participating March 9 and is 3 for 11 from the plate. According to MLB.com, Jeter will not play on March 26, when the Yankees take on the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Yankees beat the Red Sox on Wednesday, 4-0.
