Jeter works out but rain slows him down
New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) watches the game action from the dugout against the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium. (June 14, 2011) Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
TAMPA, Fla. -- Steady pouring rain Sunday morning wasn't enough to keep Derek Jeter from another rehab workout on his 37th birthday, and the Yankees' captain said he hopes to take a more significant step forward shortly.
"I feel good. I'm making progress," Jeter said after another session in the batting cages at the team's minor-league complex, his second in as many days. "I'm doing what I'm told. If it was up to me, I'd be playing now. You have to be smart, I understand that."
Out since June 13 with a strained right calf, Jeter made small progress again Sunday. He took 39 swings off a tee and 35 off underhand tosses from Yankees scout Gary Denbo -- up slightly from 27 and 30, respectively, on Saturday -- and said the weather kept him from doing more.
"I would have thrown, maybe taken some ground balls in close," he said. "You've got to run. Once I start running, then we'll have a better sense. Hopefully, that'll be tomorrow or the next day."
Heavy rain flooded the infields at the Yankees' minor-league complex, and the field conditions could provide an additional delay to what Jeter is able to do.
Jeter is eligible to return from the disabled list Wednesday, but that timetable seems unlikely. Asked if he has a specific date in mind to return, Jeter said, "I really don't know," suggesting team trainers have more control over the speed of his progress than he does.
Jeter has been stuck for nearly two weeks at 2,994 career hits, so there's an added interest in the timing of his return from one of the longest absences of his 17-year career. The Yankees finish their current homestand Thursday, then have six games on the road before returning home July 7 against the Rays.
Other Yankees also continue to rehab in Tampa. Third baseman Eric Chavez took a regular session of batting practice in the cages Sunday after switching from a tee and soft tosses Saturday. Pitcher Bartolo Colon is slated to throw a simulated game Monday morning, and reliever Damaso Marte was at the complex for treatment Sunday.
More Yankees headlines
