Derek Jeter says he’s healed up
By Andrew Marchand | ESPNNewYork.com
Jeter On Yanks’ Overcoming Injuries
TAMPA, Fla. — Derek Jeter said his fractured left ankle has passed the final test for him to be allowed to play in a spring training game for the New York Yankees.
“It is 100 percent healed, and now we move forward,” Jeter said Friday after appearing in a simulated game in which he batted against Andy Pettitte.
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The shortstop plans to talk with manager Joe Girardi on Friday or Saturday to decide when he can play his first spring training game. When he does, Girardi has said that Jeter would start off as designated hitter and probably get two at-bats.
Jeter, 38, underwent ankle surgery after suffering a dislocation in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series in October. He spent much of the offseason immobile, having to use a scooter to move around. On Thursday, he went to Charlotte, N.C., for a checkup with Dr. Robert Anderson, who performed the surgery.
“It was scheduled before I started playing games to get the final OK,” Jeter said of the visit. “There has been a process of a few doctors visits and tests to see how it was coming along. Last time I went there it wasn’t completely healed, but now it is.”
On Saturday, the Yankees play the Atlanta Braves at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The day is expected to be a celebration of closer Mariano Rivera‘s career. According to sources, Rivera will announce at a 10 a.m. ET news conference that the 2013 season will be his last. Rivera, who is coming back from knee surgery, will then pitch in his first exhibition game of the year.
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