The long awaited return of New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter has arrived. The shortstop will be activated off the disabled list today and is expected to start against the Kansas City Royals in today's matinee game.
Jeter fractured his ankle in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series in October, and experienced a setback in spring training. After tons of rehabilitation and two surgeries, Jeter completed a four-game rehab stint at Triple A Scranton Wilkes-Barre, in which he went 1-for-9 with four walks.
Following last night's game, his fourth with the Rail Riders, Jeter said, I feel good. There were a lot of different situations that happened, but everything was good." When he was asked about returning to the Yankees, Jeter didn't tip his hand. "It's not up to me but I'm excited to get the opportunity to get back as soon as I can," he said.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi was coy as well when asked about rumors Jeter would be called up Friday. "As I've said, we evaluate it every day," Girardi said.
According to reports, scouts were impressed with how quickly his swing returned to him, but foresee throwing issues because of lingering ankle weakness. On Wednesday, Jeter struggled at short, making an error on a throw to first base, bobbling a grounder, and not getting a lead runner out on a throw to third.
Regardless, Jeter will be a welcome addition to a Yankees squad that uncharacteristically needs offense in the worst way. The collective OPS of their shortstops in Jeter's absence are second to last in the American League, ahead of only the Mariners.
Last season Jeter silenced critics who were concerned about his effectiveness dipping by batting .316 with 15 home runs and 58 RBI, to go with 99 runs scored. Jeter also played in 159 games, finished seventh in AL MVP voting, and won the Silver Slugger award for shortstops.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.