MLB

Yankees GM says Jeter likely to miss opener for 1st time since ’01

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TAMPA — Add Derek Jeter to the list of high-profile and pricey Yankees who will start the season on the shelf.

One day after getting four at-bats in a minor league game in which he was the designated hitter and didn’t run anywhere close to full speed, Jeter told the Yankees’ training staff yesterday his surgically repaired left ankle was sore.

“He is not ready for the full duty, so it’s obviously looking more likely than not that he will start the season on the [disabled list],’’ general manager Brian Cashman said at Steinbrenner Field before a 7-6 win over the Rays. “The more realistic goal is April 6. Right now he is a little sore.’’

After experiencing soreness in the front of the ankle last Tuesday when he was scratched from a big league exhibition game and received a cortisone injection the next day, Jeter’s soreness has found a new place.

“Now it’s toward the back,’’ Cashman said. “We are going to back off a bit. It’s not significant. It’s significant that we don’t have him yet, but there is nothing new going on other than the growing pains he has as he goes through the rehab.’’

Jeter, who fractured the ankle in Game 1 of last year’s ALCS, didn’t play in a minor league game yesterday and likely won’t play today.

Cashman said he is comfortable with Eduardo Nunez replacing Jeter at short. Jayson Nix can also play the position.

So when the Yankees face the Red Sox a week from today at Yankee Stadium in the season opener, they will be without three-fourths of their infield. Alex Rodriguez (hip) and Mark Teixeira (wrist) will join Jeter on the DL. Only Robinson Cano is healthy.

Of course, there are no guarantees Jeter will be ready to play shortstop in a big league game by April 6, which is the earliest date he will be eligible to come off the DL. Assuming he goes on the DL, it will be backdated to March 22.

“It’s a goal, it doesn’t mean it’s an absolute,’’ Cashman said. “The season is coming quicker than that leg is going to be ready. We’ll give it the time it needs.’’

Cashman said a second cortisone shot hasn’t been administered and one isn’t planned.

Unlike other times when Jeter has battled a physical problem, Cashman noticed a different vibe from Jeter.

“I met with Derek Jeter today and told him what I think and he didn’t fight me on it. That’s reality,’’ Cashman said. “I know Derek extremely well and I can read his face and his face today tells me the reality of the circumstances is starting to sink in and the disabled list situation might be necessary. He knows time is short.’’

The only time Jeter has missed Opening Day was 2001 with a strained right quad that landed him on the DL until April 7. In 2003 he suffered a dislocated shoulder that kept him out for six weeks.

In the 25-year-old Nunez, the Yankees have a live bat and body with a suspect defensive reputation. First base coach Mick Kelleher reduced Nunez’s throwing motion this spring and his throws from short have been more accurate if not perfect.

“I am pleased with the way he has gone about his business,’’ Girardi said of Nunez. “He has spent a lot of time working on it.’’