MLB

Jeter rounds bases, ‘good shot’ to start Grapefruit opener

TAMPA — Unless something happens between now and Thursday, expect to see Derek Jeter in the Yankees’ lineup against the Pirates at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Jeter ran the bases Sunday, and manager Joe Girardi said the shortstop and captain will repeat the exercise before his name is written into the lineup.

“There’s probably a pretty good shot,’’ Girardi said of Jeter playing against the Pirates in a game to be televised by YES at 1:05 p.m.

After last year’s season ended Sept. 7 for Jeter, he’s anxious to play.

“It’s been a while since I’ve played a game,’’ Jeter said. “Everyone looks forward to the first game of spring training.’’

Girardi has started asking players if they are interested in making the trip to Panama next month for a two-game series against the Marlins as a tribute to Mariano Rivera.
Jeter believes he is on the trip.

“I’m pretty sure I’m going to Panama,’’ Jeter said. “Next year we’re going to Kalamazoo (Mich.).’’

Of course, that’s where Jeter grew up.

The Yankees don’t expect to have Andrew Bailey until late in the season, if at all. Signed to a minor-league deal Saturday that could be worth $2.5 million and includes a club option for 2015, Bailey will arrive in big league camp Monday, but is far away from pitching after undergoing shoulder surgery last year.

“August or September, beyond that you’re wasting time talking about it,’’ general manager Brian Cashman said of the right-hander from Wagner College who pitched in 49 games the past two seasons with the Red Sox, after saving 75 games the previous three seasons with the A’s.


After watching Cuban defectors Aledmys Diaz and Odrisamer Despaigne work out, the Yankees aren’t going to offer the shortstop or right-handed pitcher contracts.

Having looked sharp in bullpen outings, Michael Pineda didn’t look as good facing hitters for the first time since last season, when he threw batting practice Sunday.

“He was just a little jumpy out there on the mound,” catcher J.R. Murphy said, “because he was excited and anxious. I just think I’ve seen him better than how he looked today. I know he has high expectations for himself. But his arm feels good, he told me. That’s the main goal.’’

Girardi and staff members traveled to Clearwater, Fla., Saturday to be briefed about the replay-challenge process and what runners can and can’t do at home plate.

“I have a feeling it’s going to save me money,’’ Girardi said of the challenge process.

The 2 ½ hour meeting was chaired by MLB executive VP Joe Torre and MLB special adviser Tony La Russa.

Girardi said small changes have to be made to both packages before they are announced.

Vidal Nuno will start for the Yankees Tuesday against Florida State at Steinbrenner Field and Ivan Nova will start Wednesday against the Pirates in Bradenton, Fla. Girardi hasn’t named a starter for Thursday’s game against the Pirates.

Many in the organization believe Jose Ramirez will be able to help at the big league level this year, and the right-hander might not be the only rookie in Girardi’s bullpen.

“Is it possible to have two rookies? Anything is possible,’’ said Girardi, who didn’t say Ramirez has secured a spot.

Ramirez, 24, went a combined 2-6 in 17 games for Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In 73 ²/₃ innings, he fanned 78 batters and walked 36.

At 6-foot-8, there is a lot for Dellin Betances’ body to control. Arms, hips and legs working together lead to good mechanics. When one is out of whack, the others tend to follow.

A product of Grand Street Campus High School in Brooklyn, Betances was converted from starter to reliever last year and is in the mix for a spot in the Yankees’ bullpen if he can get a his fastball in the strike zone more often.

Sunday, in a live batting practice session, Betances was able to consistently locate the strike zone.

“The key to being a reliever is to throw strikes,’’ said Betances, who appeared in 38 games (six starts) for SWB last year, when he was 6-4 with a 2.68 ERA with five saves. In 84 innings he fanned 108 and walked 42.

Opposing batters hit .178 against him.

While the math is good, it remains to be seen if Betances can throw enough strikes in the big leagues, where he has made eight appearances.

“I’m staying on my back leg more. When I was coming set, I was always leaning forward,’’ said the 26-year-old right-hander, who has one option remaining. “Staying more on the backside allows me to keep my arm up and follow through.’’


Alfonso Soriano missed his fourth straight day of workouts with the flu. Girardi expects Soriano to be at Steinbrenner Field Monday for a light workout.