Yankees captain Derek Jeter rehabbing from fractured ankle suffered in playoffs, remains on schedule for Opening Day return
Cashman expects to work out a new contract with Mariano Rivera, who informed the GM last week that he wants to pitch again in 2013. The time frame for a deal, however, remains to be seen.
By Mark Feinsand / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Thursday, November 8, 2012, 4:33 AM
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Derek Jeter continues his injury rehab after he broke his ankle in the 2012 postseason.
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INDIAN WELLS, CA – Derek Jeter is still off his feet following last month’s ankle surgery, but Brian Cashman says the shortstop’s rehab remains on schedule.
Jeter, who suffered a fractured left ankle during Game 1 of the ALCS, is expected to be ready for Opening Day despite a shortened workout program this winter.
“All I can go by is what the doctors say; he just has to take the time to heal up and get it going,” Cashman said. “I don’t know what he does in December, anyway, to get ready. He might relax. I’ve seen pictures of him in Anguilla before on TMZ, so maybe he wont be on TMZ in a Speedo. Once he’s healthy, we’ll get him going and he’ll be back on track.”
Cashman said the ankle injury would prevent Jeter from taking part in the World Baseball Classic, an event he participated in for Team USA in both 2006 and 2009.
RETURN ENGAGEMENTS
Cashman expects to work out a new contract with Mariano Rivera, who informed the GM last week that he wants to pitch again in 2013. The time frame for a deal, however, remains to be seen.
“He obviously wants to be here, and we want him back,” Cashman said. “That’s the hard part. So I’m confident we’ll be able to work through the issues, whatever they are.”
Cashman also said he hopes to have Hiroki Kuroda back for a second season in the Bronx whether the pitcher accepts the team’s $13.3 million qualifying offer by Friday’s deadline or not.
“I would like to have Hiroki Kuroda back,” Cashman said. “He’s been a pro. He was arguably our best pitcher. He had a great year. I’ve been after him for a long time, and I’m hoping it wasn’t just a short-term, one-year situation for us. He’s a good man and I’d love to have him back.”
WAITING GAME
Unlike Rivera, Andy Pettitte has not decided whether he plans to pitch again next season. Cashman spoke with Pettitte a few days after the ALCS ended, but Pettitte said he hadn’t made up his mind.
“He just said he’s going to take some time, talk to his family,” Cashman said. “It wasn’t going to take long. I didn’t ask how long ‘long’ was. But he’ll call me. I’m not going to push him. He’ll let me know when he’s made a final decision about whatever he’s choosing to do.
“I hope he plays. I believe that it’s in his blood that he wants to play. I believe that, but it doesn’t guarantee anything. But I think he wants to play, and I’m hoping he’ll call and tell me that.”
LOW EXPECTATIONS
Michael Pineda is throwing on flat ground as he returns from last year’s shoulder surgery, but Cashman isn’t counting on much from the righthander in 2013.
“In fairness to him and the significant injury he had to that shoulder, I think we’re going to put him off to the side,” Cashman said. “His rehab will take him into late May, June. I think it’s best for us to pretend he’s not even there, and then have him sneak up on us. And I hope he does, but I’m not going to count on him. I don’t think that’s going to be fair.”
If anyone can rebound from such a serious injury, it’s the Captain! We need him back. EDB
SD Yankee Report 