TAMPA — Derek Jeter isn’t the only infielder at the Yankees’ pre-camp coming back from a major leg injury. Scott Sizemore is trying to bounce back from two terrible injuries to his left knee.
“I’m feeling pretty good, getting back on the field feels great and I haven’t had any issues with the knee,’’ Sizemore said Thursday at the Yankees’ minor league complex.
Sizemore, 29, was a useful contributor to both the Tigers and Athletics before suffering a torn ACL in his left knee in 2012. The next season he re-tore the same ligament and he had a second surgery last April 16.
“It hasn’t been a good two years,’’ said Sizemore, who can play second and third. “It was devastating really. After going through it the first time and feeling like I was ready to go, healthy, I felt like I was back on my way but obviously, two serious knee injuries, doubts crept into my mind if I was ever going to be able to play again. Nothing’s given.”
Sizemore, a lifetime .238 hitter, has only played two games since 2011, but is getting a shot with the Yankees as a non-roster invitee to spring training.
“Throughout the rehab process, I kind of knew what to expect the second time around, so I really pushed myself even harder, being that I figured this was my last go-round,’’ Sizemore said. “I feel like I’ve had really good results so far. I haven’t had a lot of baseball experience in the last two years, but as far as a mental toughness standpoint, I’ve definitely learned to grind through some stuff and have a higher pain tolerance.
“I rehabbed with Oakland and they did a great job and I have to give credit to my wife, Brooke, who was picking me up when I was having a bad day,’’ Sizemore said. “All my family has been so supportive and they’ve all let me know how proud they are of me for coming back and not giving up and I appreciate that.’’
Working with Jeter this week, Sizemore said, “has been great. He’s been welcoming. He looks like Jeter, smooth, going about his business like he always does.’’
Jeter again went through a workout that included batting practice and fielding grounders.
“It’s early,’’ Sizemore said. The comebacks have just begun.”