According to manager Joe Girardi, Derek Jeter is ready for anything after a visit to North Carolina Dr. Robert Anderson, the surgeon who operated on Jeter’s left ankle last October.
Jeter left Yankees camp in Tampa and is expected to be back on the field today while the team is in Jupiter, Fla.
“It went great,” said Girardi, who said Jeter received “final clearance” to return to full action.
Girardi didn’t say if Jeter would make his exhibition debut tomorrow against the Braves. Since Jeter didn’t work out Thursday the best bet for his return is Monday against the Cardinals at Steinbrenner Field.
PHOTOS: YANKEES SPRING TRAINING
Sunday was a date casually mentioned by general manager Brian Cashman for Jeter’s return, but the Yankees are at Dunedin to play the Blue Jays and not on YES. Saturday’s and Monday’s games are on YES.
* Ivan Nova didn’t do anything to hurt his chances of winning the fifth spot in the rotation yesterday when he worked three innings against the Cardinals.
In his second spring outing, Nova allowed a run and three hits.
“The hits were all groundballs. They were not like doubles. I think I led the league in extra-base hits last year,’’ Nova said.
* David Robertson played catch lightly yesterday from 60 and 90 feet but did not long toss.
Robertson couldn’t get loose in the bullpen Tuesday night and was taken off the travel roster for the game against the Cardinals.
* Phil Hughes’ next step is a bullpen session Sunday.
“It went great, no issues,’’ Hughes said of a long-toss session yesterday. “I won’t throw [today] and do a light side Sunday.’’
* CC Sabathia threw a bullpen session yesterday and said he couldn’t be happier with the way the left elbow has responded after a bone spur was removed last October.
“I am very surprised how quick it came back,’’ said Sabathia, who is scheduled for a simulated game Sunday.
That would put him in line for his first exhibition outing for next Friday against the Marlins at Steinbrenner Field. Or the Yankees could throw the ace in a minor league game.
“The rehab [program] was longer, but it came back quicker. I feel good. I cut a few loose [yesterday].’’
* Reliever Clay Rapada is out seven to 10 days with shoulder bursitis. Fellow lefty reliever Boone Logan is down with an elbow problem, too.