Shortstop Derek Jeter no longer has to wear a protective walking boot, and is now starting to work out at the team’s Minor League complex in Tampa, Fla.
Jeter, 38, suffered a broken ankle against the Tigers in the ALCS, and had surgery on Oct. 20. After the procedure, the expected recovery time was said to be four-five months. This puts Jeter on track to be the Opening Day shortstop on April 1 at Yankee Stadium against the Boston Red Sox. Both Jeter and GM Brian Cashman still believe this will hold true since there have been no setbacks in the healing process and early stages of rehab.
Although Jeter is working out, he is not yet permitted to run, which Cashman sad will take place toward the latter end of recovery. For now, Jeter is exercising on an underwater treadmill.
The Captain will resume Baseball-activities (fielding, hitting) in mid-to-late January, and will increase the intensity as Spring Training goes along. If everything continues as planned, Jeter will be at shortstop and batting leadoff in the first game of 2013 campaign.
