Derek Jeter Out Until After All-Star Break

Derek Jeter is out until after the All-Star break.

A new CT scan reveals the New York Yankees shortstop has suffered a small crack in his surgically repaired left ankle. The setback is expected to keep the 39-year-old sidelined until after the All-Star break.

The unhappy news was relayed by Yankees general manager Brian Cashman before Thursday night’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

“We have to back off and let that heal,” said Cashman. “This is obviously a setback. We are looking at, in terms of speculating on when Derek might be back with us, you are looking at some point after the All-Star break.”

On the plus side, Jeter will not require another surgery. Cashman says Dr. Robert Anderson, who diagnosed the Yankees captain on Thursday, estimates “95 percent” of people who suffer the same injury return to full fitness.

For now, it’s a matter of playing the waiting game. Cashman says the crack in Jeter’s ankle could take anything between four and eight weeks to heal. Once that has happened, Jeter will have to carry out a full spring training before he’s ready for major league action again.

Jeter and Yankees staff were always hopeful that the star short would be back for Opening Day, yet a number of setbacks in his recovery have taken their toll. Jeter took this past weekend off, while the Yankees tried to reduce the impact on his ankle by limiting the number of groundballs he was fielding.

With his ankle still troubling Jeter on Wednesday, the player made a trip to Charlotte to consult Dr. Anderson (who is highly regarded by many athletes). Cashman says:

“[Derek] is obviously the toughest one we have ever had. You know when Derek Jeter continues to have issues that don’t go away, then it means more than just your typical something, I guess. That is what led to the follow-up.”

Jeter originally dislocated his ankle in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series in October.

With a Derek Jeter comeback not likely for some weeks now, Cashman will turn to Eduardo Nunez as his primary shortstop and Jayson Nix as the backup. Cashman told reporters:

“I’m happy with Nix and Nunez, but I would be happier with Derek.”

As for Jeter, he has another appointment with Dr. Anderson next week. Cashman took time to praise the shortstop’s professionalism in what has proven a testing situation for player and team:

“[Derek is handling] it like a pro. He said, ‘I will see you in four to six weeks.’ He will never let anybody see any area of weakness or problem. His attitude is, ‘You are going to see me sooner than later.’ ”

How do you feel the Yankees will fare with Derek Jeter out? Let us know in the comments!