New York Yankees team captain Derek Jeter is targeting his return to the team’s lineup for April 1. He has been cleared after his recovery from a broken left ankle.
The 38-year-old Jeter was injured in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Oct. 13 as he propelled himself forward going for a grounder. He had surgery a week later and the Yankees organization said his recovery would take at least four to five months.
Jeter smiled as he prepared for a launch party for his Turn 2 Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic on Wednesday.
“I’ve got the OK to start,” Jeter said. “But I don’t start until next week or the week after, anyway. In terms of baseball activity, I’m right where I need to be.”
Jeter will not officially step foot onto the field until late January, but has been getting ready for spring training. The New York Daily News reports the 13-time All-Star has been running on a treadmill every day since New Year’s Day.
The Yankees shortstop had one of his best seasons in 2012. He led the American League with 216 hits and batted .316 with 15 homers and 58 RBIs.
Jeter first injured his ankle in September and fouled balls off his foot multiple times after that. But he said everything is fine now.
“Great … the leg is good,” he said.
During the offseason several teams in the AL East have added to their roster. The Toronto Blue Jays is one of them, and they are the preliminary favorite to win the AL East. But Jeter says the Yankees can still maintain their dominance.
“Too old or experienced?” Jeter said. “I’m pretty sure we’ll be competitive, and be right where we need to be.”
The Yankees defeated the Baltimore Orioles in the division series before being swept by the Tigers in the ALCS.
