TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -Derek Jeter rejoined the New York Yankees from the World Baseball Classic and was in the starting lineup at shortstop for Tuesday night’s game against the Boston Red Sox.
Jeter will play in most of the Yankees’ remaining spring training games in preparation for the regular-season opener April 6 at Baltimore.
“We’ve still got what, a week and a half?” Jeter said. “I don’t see it being an issue. I’ve got plenty of time. Physically I’m fine. It’s good to get back and now get into a routine of playing every day.”
The Yankees captain went 1-for-5 in the United States’ 9-4 loss to Japan in the WBC semifinals Sunday night. He returned to Florida on Monday.
“It was a good experience with the exception of the last game,” Jeter said. “We made it a little further, but it’s still disappointing.”
Jeter went 8-for-29 (.276), scored twice and had two doubles in eight games with the U.S. team.
they do it they’ll make more.”
The Yankees will start the regular season without third baseman Alex Rodriguez, expected to be out until May after undergoing right hip surgery on March 9.
“It’s good to know that it’s not something that’s going to take too long,” Jeter said. “He’s a vital part of the team. But just like when anyone else gets hurt, you can’t sit around and wait for them to come back. You’ve got to play without them, that’s the bottom line. People get hurt, other guys have to step up and fill in for him.”
Jeter has been in contact with Rodriguez, who is rehabbing in Vail, Colo.
Add A Comment