New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter resumed on-field hitting Wednesday after being sidelined by left ankle soreness for the last month.
The 38-year-old Jeter resumed his running program on Tuesday and took 32 swings in batting practice Wednesday at the Yankees’ minor league complex.
The Yankees shortstop has not appeared in any regular season games. His last appearance was in a minor league spring training game as a designated hitter on March 23, when the same ankle he broke during Game 1 of the ALCS last October gave him problems again.
Wednesday Jeter, who did not run the bases at 100 percent full speed, appeared pain free as he went from first to third three times and vice versa. He fielded 45 grounders at shortstop, and threw to first base for the first time.
The 13-time All-Star was placed on the disabled list March 31 and there is still no current timetable on when he will return.
The Yankees also received more positive news about outfielder Curtis Granderson. Granderson, who is currently recovering from a broken right forearm, could resume throwing on Thursday. He underwent follow-up X-rays on Tuesday.
“Everything is looking good,” Granderson said.
Granderson said he has not started swinging a bat since his injury, but he is hopeful that he will be cleared later this week to swing a fungo bat, which is used to hit ground balls and pop flies during practice, drills, and defensive warm-ups.
The 32-year-old Granderson was hit by a pitch from Toronto’s J.A. Happ in his first at-bat of spring training on Feb. 24. The slugger, who led the Yankees with 43 home runs last season, could possibly rejoin the team next month.
The Yankees could have surely used their stars after going 1-4. to start the season. But they are currently on a three-game winning streak, posting 32 runs in their last three games. The Yankees are currently 4-4 and sit in second place in the American League East division and will resume play on Thursday against the Cleveland Indians.
