TAMPA — Derek Jeter didn’t work out at the Yankees’ minor league complex yesterday or the day before. And that led to questions as to why.
Since the 38-year-old shortstop is attempting to come back from a fractured left ankle and has been at the complex regularly running and fielding ground balls, eyebrows were raised. However, general manager Brian Cashman said it was not health related.
“He always stops working at the complex about five days before [full-squad] camp [opens],’’ Cashman said. “He is healthy.’’
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The first full-squad workout is Monday at George M. Steinbrenner Field, and Jeter will draw plenty of attention because it will be the first real glimpse of him on a diamond since he suffered the injury in Game 1 of last year’s ALCS against the Tigers. The Yankees lost that night in a dozen innings, dropped the next three games and spent the winter wondering if Jeter could make it back.
Numerous times this offseason, Jeter has said the goal is to be ready for Opening Day on April 1. The exhibition season starts Feb. 23.
With only Eduardo Nunez and Jayson Nix behind Jeter, it’s imperative the captain not only return on time but play well. From a personal standpoint, a solid year by Jeter, who hit .316 and led the AL in hits with 216, positions him nicely going into the offseason, when he holds an $8 million option for 2014. After making $17 million this year, Jeter can collect a $3 million buyout after the season and become a free agent.
Considering how contentious that process became following the 2010 season, Jeter on the free agent market would certainly be scintillating.