Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter looks on from the dugout during...

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter looks on from the dugout during a game against the Minnesota Twins. (July 12, 2013) Credit: Jim McIsaac

Derek Jeter is eligible to come off the disabled list next Sunday, but he made no promises that he will be able to do so as he works to recover from a strained calf.

"I'm confident I'll be ready when I'm ready," he said before Saturday's 9-3 loss to the Tigers. When pressed, he said again, "I'm confident I'll be ready when I'm ready."

Of his schedule, Jeter said: "All I know is what I'm doing today. I have to go ride the bike, but I assume [I will run] in the next couple of days."

He is likely to remain with the team through this homestand. "There's nothing I can't do here that I would do down there [in Tampa]," he said.

Soriano is 'lost'

Alfonso Soriano was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, dropping his average as a Yankee to .200. He looked bad whiffing on an 81-mph changeup from Anibal Sanchez with one out and runners on first and third in the fourth. "I'm a little lost," he said. "I have to be more selective at home plate and try to swing at more strikes."

Soriano said he still is adjusting to unfamiliar pitchers in his return to the American League. He also acknowledged that the Yankees' lineup is not what it was when he was in it a decade ago, but he said, "I believe in these young guys, and they can do the job.''

Soriano said having 1,999 career hits has been on his mind. "It's hard to not think about it," he said, "but I know sooner or later, I'll get the [2,000th] hit, and when I get the hit, I'll be more loose at the plate."

A-Rod: Cabrera 'amazing'

Alex Rodriguez said he wasn't buying that Miguel Cabrera was less of a threat Friday when he limped badly after fouling two balls off his leg -- then hit a tying two-run homer off Mariano Rivera.

"The guy is amazing," Rodriguez said. "That was a joke. Everyone thought he was dead. It was like the movies; you have to shoot him and make sure he's dead. I knew he wasn't coming out of the game. Don't fall for all that limping around. He's a dangerous guy."

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