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New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter will most likely miss the start of the 2013 Major League Baseball season while still recovering from a left ankle injury. With that being said, when will the team captain be able to make his first regular season start?
The reason the Yankees believe Jeter will not be ready to go by April 1 is because he was taken out of Sunday’s Minor League lineup due to soreness in his ankle. It does not seem wise for the veteran to push himself to make the start considering he is still dealing with pain with a little over a week until Opening Day.
“This continues to tell you that it’s just not ready yet for the full duties,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told Yankees.com. “Obviously, it’s looking more likely than not that he will start the season on the DL, and a more realistic goal is April 6.”
That means Jeter will miss Opening Day for the first time since 2001 and will be unavailable for the critical series against the Boston Red Sox. The reason why April 6 is the projected return for Jeter is because that is the first day he will be eligible to play after spending time on the disabled list.
There is no question Jeter will be disappointed if he is unable to help his teammates against the organization’s top rival, but he understands that his overall health is what is most important for the team. Causing more harm to the injury simply does not make sense, especially when there is an entire season to think about.
“I’ve met with Derek Jeter today. I told him what I think, and he didn’t fight me on it,” Cashman said, according to Yankees.com “That’s reality. I saw his face, too. It doesn’t mean he’s not still hopeful [of playing Opening Day], but I think he’s less hopeful today than he was two days ago.”
The 38-year-old fractured his ankle in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers last season.
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