CLEVELAND — Derek Jeter had hoped to be back by Opening Day — which was over a week ago — so the Yankees have learned not to attach too many dates to his progress, but manager Joe Girardi was cautiously optimistic after the shortstop ran for the first time yesterday since suffering a setback to his surgically repaired ankle last month.
Earlier in the day, Girardi saw video of Jeter running in Tampa.
“He looked as good as at any point in spring training,” Girardi said.
It’s been a slow road for Jeter since experiencing soreness in the ankle after playing a minor league spring training game on March 23. Prior to yesterday, the shortstop had only run on a treadmill.
Jeter is expected to run outside again today, as well as hit outside. He moved more fielding grounders yesterday.
“He did some sprints, not 100 percent, but he was able to do them. To me, that’s a big step,” Girardi said. “I’m really curious how he feels tomorrow.”
Curtis Granderson (fractured arm) has gotten clearance to swing underwater.
“Hopefully by the weekend, he’s taking some tee and toss,” Girardi said.
* Brennan Boesch took grounders at first base again yesterday, a position he hasn’t played in a game since high school.
His inexperience won’t stop Girardi from potentially using him there in the absence of Mark Teixeira if Lyle Overbay needs a day off.
“I’m not saying I’m planning on throwing him out there anytime soon, but the more flexibility you get and the more progress he makes, it might work,” the manager said. “He’s looked OK. We’ve had to start from the beginning stages because it’s been a while since he’s done it.”
Boesch said if he was asked, he could play there in a game.
“I might be winging it,” he said. “We’ll find if I can do it if I get out there.”
* The Yankees re-signed lefty reliever Clay Rapada to a minor league deal yesterday after releasing him last week. He will report to Tampa to make sure he’s healthy and then Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre.
* Joba Chamberlain said he was so locked in during Monday’s ninth inning, he was unaware it was Girardi who visited him on the mound and not pitching coach Larry Rothschild: “I thought it was Larry,” Chamberlain said.
* Jason Giambi is set to be activated from the disabled list this week by the Indians and even though the slugger is 42, he believes he can stick around.
“Used the right way I can play for a while,” said Giambi, who has been bothered by a back injury. “My bat speed is still there. I can still catch up. I can still hit some home runs. As long as I can compete, they will find a place.”
The Yankees never were an option for Giambi, despite his history with the team — although he won’t rule out returning to The Bronx at some point.
“I love that town,” Giambi said. “It’s the ultimate place to play. That city challenges you. It makes you challenge yourself because you have to bring it every day. There are no excuses. The fans love the game as much as you love the game. My years in New York were very special.’’
Additional reporting by Kevin Kernan