Derek Jeter Expects To Be Ready To Play On Opening Day

Derek Jeter expects to be ready for full time action once opening day arrives. In order to make sure he’s ready the star has been taking it very easy this off-season. The New York Yankees starting shortstop broke his ankle on October 13 in the ALCS against the Detroit Tigers.

Since that break, much has been made of his off-season training regimen that left him looking quite overweight. It appears that Jeter has gotten rid of the baby fat and is back on the road to real recovery. Ever since Jeter was cleared for baseball activity, the 38-year-old “Mr. November” has been looking at an Opening Day return.

Just five days ago, Jeter was cleared to start running again and the long time captain of the Yankees still believes that his time table is realistic. Jeter told MLB.com that he will be engaging in lighter workouts starting off and that he won’t be taking part in the team’s early exhibition games. Jeter said that he feels he’s right where he should be, adding:

“I broke my ankle in October. It’s been quite some time. Up until this point, the ankle has healed perfectly. Now, it’s just a matter of getting everything else in shape.

You’ve got to wait for the bone to heal before you can do other activities that are even before baseball activities. Now, it’s just progressing up until that point. I’m going to have to push myself, but Opening Day has been the goal all along.”

Jeter also weighed in on his teammate, third baseman Alex Rodriguez. Arod will not be attending camp with the rest of the team this spring, instead deciding to work separately to rehab a hip injury that will cause him to miss at least half the season.

Jeter told LivingstonDaily.com that,”It’s going to be weird, He’s been part of this team since 2004. It’s going to be awkward.”