The New York Yankees have already lost several marquee players to the injury and the season has not even started yet. However, as they lose people, they get one back. Derek Jeter said his fractured ankle is now fully healed. The shortstop plans on playing in a few spring training games and will be ready for Opening Day.
"It's 100 percent healed, and now we move forward," Jeter said.
The Yankees' captain spent time appearing in a simulated game, hitting against pitcher Andy Pettitte. Jeter underwent surgery to repair a fractured ankle after suffering the injury in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series last season. He spent most of the offseason having to use a scooter to get around. He had a follow-up appointment with his doctor on Thursday who gave Jeter the ok to start playing.
It was reported that Jeter's ankle injury could have been a result of pushing through a foot injury that previously existed. He had suffered the injury five weeks prior to breaking his ankle.
Jeter could begin playing as soon as Saturday. The Yankees face the Atlanta Braves. The day is expected to celebrate closer Mariano Rivera's career. He recently announced that the 2013 season will be his last and that he is retiring.
Before Jeter was cleared to play again, he had to prove he could run at full-speed around the bases. While he has not done that yet, the progress he has made lets the team believe he will be ready for Opening Day.
"It is always reassuring to have someone say that something that was broke is not broken anymore. Now, it is just getting through the normal aches and pains that come around it, as long as you know a break has healed, the aches and pains go away in time," Jeter said.
Getting Jeter back will make up for the loss of Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez who have gone down with injuries. Jeter batted .316 last season with 216 hits and 15 homeruns. He also knocked in 58 RBI. He posted a career-low in steals with 13, which could have been due to the lingering injury in his foot.
