TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter has a sore right hamstring and expects to resume running on Monday.
Jeter took part in all drills Sunday except a running program.
“It’s no big deal,” Jeter said. “It’s really not an issue.”
Jeter said his hamstring soreness will not affect his training for next month’s World Baseball Classic. The shortstop is on the United States team.
“It’s not a pull. It’s not a strain,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “It’s a little sore. Obviously we’re going to watch him and make sure he’s ready.”
Girardi plans to sit down with Jeter before he departs for the WBC next week.
“We will talk and make sure he’s healthy,” Girardi said. “It’s awful early to be playing meaningful games. Is his hamstring bad? No. It does concern me because the last thing we want is some player getting hurt during the WBC because that affects our whole season.”
Girardi is supportive of the players planning to play in the WBC. Third baseman Alex Rodriguez, second baseman Robinson Cano and minor league catcher Francisco Cervelli are among those expected to participate.
“I think it’s an honor to play for your country,” Girardi said. “I wish I would have had an opportunity to play. If I would have had an opportunity, I would have went.”
CC Sabathia, one day after missing practice due to the flu, threw 40 pitches during batting practice to a group that included Rodriguez, Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira.
“Real good,” Rodriguez said of Sabathia.
Except for a liner to right by Teixeira, the group only hit a few groundballs and had several swinging strikes.
“I’m glad this is the only time I have to face him,” Damon said.
Sabathia, the expected opening-day starter, is scheduled to make his first spring start on March 6.
“I have some things to work on,” Sabathia said. “The cutter has got to get a little better. That’s what spring training is for.”
Sabathia also threw 40 pitches in the bullpen.
“Very, very impressive,” Girardi said. “His personality is awesome. People want to be around him. A fun-loving guy. He’s just great to have on our club.”
Chien-Ming Wang, who missed the final 3½ months of last season with a foot injury, threw to hitters for the second time. He recorded several swinging strikes, but did allow a homer to minor league catcher Kyle Anson.
Reliever Edwar Ramirez shut down his bullpen session early due to right shoulder tendinitis. He will be examined by Dr. Allen Miller on Monday.
Ramirez said he felt discomfort in the front part of his shoulder above the arm.
Notes: Rodriguez said no date has been set for him to talk with
Major League Baseball investigators. Rodriguez has admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs while with Texas from 2001-03. … LHP Andy Pettitte had a bullpen session and will throw BP for the first time Wednesday. … Closer Mariano Rivera, coming back from shoulder surgery, is making good progress in his throwing program and said he remains on target to be ready for opening day. … Minor league RHP Mark Melancon broke Cano’s bat during BP. … RHP Brett Tomko will start Wednesday’s spring opener against Toronto. Phil Hughes will pitch Thursday, and be followed by Ian Kennedy (Friday) and Joba Chamberlain (Saturday).
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
