Derek Jeter Making His Way Back from Injury-Plagued 2013 Season
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Robert Rogers/MLB Photos via Getty Images(TAMPA, Fla.) — Coming off a disappointing 2013 season that saw him play in just 17 games, New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is taking on-field batting practice for the first time on Monday.
Jeter was hampered all of 2013 with an ankle injury after breaking it during the ALCS back in 2012. He hit just .190 with one home run and 7 RBIs in 2013.
But he was back at work on Monday at the team’s minor league complex. He took part in a five-round, 39-swing session while also taking grounders at shortstop for the first time this year, as he fielded 34 balls during the session.
“My job is to be ready to play,” Jeter said. “I remember when I was 35, everyone said that was it. He can’t play anymore; end of my career. So, it’s really nothing different. Eventually, somebody is going to be right, you know what I mean? You’re going to run out of numbers.”
Jeter will turn 40 in June, and could be entering his twentieth and final season with the team.
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