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TAMPA — The first spring training pitch Derek Jeter saw he turned into a single to left-center.
“It’s amazing,” Mariano Rivera said of Jeter’s re-entry into games after fracturing the left ankle last October. “That’s what makes him special. He has an idea.”
Informed Thursday that the ankle is completely healed, Jeter was the DH against the Braves in a 2-1 loss at Steinbrenner Field and went 1-for-2.
PHOTOS: YANKEES SPRING TRAINING
He believes he will be ready to play shortstop following one more DH assignment.
“I think they are trying to ease into it,” said Jeter, who didn’t run the bases full speed. “It takes a little longer to get comfortable defensively than offensively.”
Joe Girardi was encouraged that Jeter believes he can play shortstop soon.
“If that is what he feels he is ready to do then we will do it,” Girardi said. “He had a 100 percent clearance from the doctor. Let’s get through Monday and see how he feels. If he decides he is ready to go in the field we will put him out there.”
Jeter didn’t run full tilt but he did slide and said everything was fine.
“The only time I saw pitches it was off Andy (Pettitte),” Jeter said of a simulated game he participated in Friday. “That was kind of awkward because there were no defenders. It’s good to get back.”
Jeter waited until Mariano Rivera officially announced this season will be his last before commenting on his long-time teammate’s decision.
“It’s great that he has come to peace with what he wants to do and let everyone know and he can enjoy the season,” Jeter said. “I think it’s going to be a special year for him. I am happy for him.”
george.king@nypost.com