Derek Jeter will not participate in Grapefruit League

New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is still recovering from ankle surgery back in October, and Yankees beat writer Sweeny Murti tweeted that Jeter will not play in  the Grapefruit League games when they start next week. However, Murti adds that Jeter “expects to be ready” for Opening Day, and this falls in line with the news being relayed about the rehab process for Jeter. He was never expected to miss any regular season time, and he is certainly on track to play on Opening Day for his Yankees.

Jeter started fielding grounders in late Tampa, and Yankees fans would always come to his rehab sessions in order to try and catch a glimpse of the star- and maybe even an autograph. I went to Tampa in late January and stayed in that Sheraton near the International Mall (for those of you familiar with the city). The lobby was burgeoning will Yankees fans, and, this was when I didn’t know Jeter was in town, I sat there thinking, “What are all these Yankees fans doing here?”. Then it hit me.

Now just about a week ago, Derek Jeter was able to begin running again, and this came about two weeks sooner than expected. His left ankle continues to get better, and the Yankees have been ramping up the number of grounders Jeter is fielding, as well as the overall strenuousness of his workouts.

Earlier this month, Jeter told Yankees MLB.com beat writer Bryan Hoch, “I’m progressing, like I told you. I’m right where I need to be. I’ve gotten the ok to do everything.”

There is no question that the 38-year-old shortstop will be playing on Opening Day, but it sounds like he won’t be playing in any games until then; it’s what’s best for both him and the Yanks.