Derek Jeter has already spent two stints on the disabled list this season—and it looks like he might be headed for a third, according to ESPNNewYork.com.
Jeter underwent an MRI on Saturday which showed another Grade 1 calf strain. He had to watch the Yankees lose to the San Diego Padres on Sunday (6-3) while he received treatment for the injury.
"It's been terrible," Jeter said. "It's been like a nightmare. The whole season has been a nightmare. I wish that wasn't the case and we were sitting here talking about something besides another injury. We'll see what happens. I have no idea.
In 2012 Jeter spent three weeks on the DL due to the same type of calf strain. The Yankees have not said whether or not “The Captain” will make another trip to the disabled list, but it’s a strong possibility.
"I'll see what they say," he said. "It's up to them. Of course, I'd like to not do it, but I understand any situation that they have.
Jeter has missed most of the year due to the ankle injury he suffered in last season’s playoffs. On the day he came off the DL he suffered a Grade 1 quad strain and was forced to immediately return to the shelf. After his second DL stint he played three games last week but was shut down for the weekend.
"I can't tell you what that means, what we're going to do," manager Girardi said. "We'll see how he is [Monday] and go from there. I'm not so sure what we're going to do just because of where we're at this time of year."
The Yankees may try to keep Jeter on the roster since they are falling in the standings—they are currently nine games behind the Boston Red Sox in the American League East standings and 4.5 games out of the AL Wild Card.
"It feels like you were hit with a ball or something," Jeter said of the calf strain. "It's like a deep bruise, maybe. That's the best way to put it. I don't know how else to describe it."
There has been some speculation that Jeter’s left ankle may still be bothering him. Since both of his new injuries occurred on his right leg, there is suspicion he is trying not to put too much pressure on the left ankle.
"I don't know," he said. "All I can tell you about my ankle is that I don't feel it. If I am doing it, it's not something I'm conscious of. I don't think it has anything to do with my ankle because my ankle feels good."
Girardi had said Jeter was available to pinch hit Sunday. However, the Yankees manager called outfielder Vernon Wells instead to pinch hit in the ninth inning.
"I was getting treatment all day long, so I didn't think I would hit in the ninth," Jeter said. "I've been pretty fortunate in my career not to have to deal with too many things. Now it seems like I'm dealing with a lot at one time. I have no choice but to move on. Hopefully it heals quickly and I can get back out there."
