Rehabbing Jeter takes first cuts
TAMPA, Fla. -- Derek Jeter took a small step toward returning to the Yankees, taking his first swings in the batting cages Saturdaymorning at the team's minor-league complex after being limited to light throwing all week.
Jeter, who hasn't played since June 13 because of a strained right calf, threw in the outfield for about 10 minutes with other rehabbing players under overcast skies, then went to work on his swing. He did two sessions of about 15 swings hitting off a tee, then had another two sessions swinging at underhanded tosses from Yankees director of player development Pat Roessler.
General manager Brian Cashman said Jeter did some light running inside the complex and worked on a treadmill in the pool. "He's feeling better," Cashman said.
Jeter appeared comfortable and confident, swinging with power. He was not available for any formal interview as he left the complex but was in good spirits. When asked by reporters if he felt good swinging the bat, Jeter said "Yes, sir," waving to a group of about 20 fans gathered on the sidewalk outside the complex hoping for an autograph.
Jeter is expected back at the Yankees' minor-league complex Sunday on his 37th birthday.
At Yankee Stadium Saturday, Joe Girardi was asked how much time Jeter will need after he begins running normally.
"I don't think there's an exact science to that," he said. "We've just got to make sure that his legs are under him, that he can make those sharp cuts that he needs to make, that he can get out of the box fine. So I don't know if there's an exact time. When he does start that, we have to make sure that he's ready in a sense that you don't push this, because if you try to come back too early and you reinjure it, now you're talking a month."
Jeter is eligible to return from the disabled list Wednesday, but his slow progress would suggest a longer time frame before he can return to the lineup.
The injury has stalled Jeter's pursuit of his 3,000th career hit at 2,994. When the Yankees returned home June 7 for a 10-game homestand, he needed 14 hits to accomplish the feat at home, which seemed possible. He went 8-for-31 before suffering the calf injury on a flyout to rightfield in the fifth inning of the seventh game of the homestand.
The Yankees' current six-game homestand against the Rockies and Brewers ends Thursday. They then will play three games against the Mets at Citi Field and three games in Cleveland and return home for four games against the Rays before reaching the All-Star break.
Jeter already has missed 13 games this season. Only once in the previous 15 seasons did he play fewer than 148 games, as he was limited to 119 in 2003 after dislocating his shoulder on Opening Day.
There's a strong major-league presence at the Yankees' minor-league complex. Third baseman Eric Chavez, out since May 5 with a broken foot, took swings with Jeter in the batting cages. Starting pitcher Bartolo Colon (hamstring) was limited to throwing in the outfield and pitcher Mark Prior (groin) threw a bullpen session.
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