MLB

JETER EXPECTS A-ROD ON FIELD

TORONTO — Derek Jeter isn’t ready to consider a Yankees lineup without Alex Rodriguez just yet.

After a workout this morning in preparation for Team USA’s game tomorrow against Canada in the World Baseball Classic, the Yankees captain told The Post he spoke with A-Rod after learning Rodriguez has a torn labrum in his right hip and may need surgery.

Jeter would not divulge what was discussed, and he called it “hypothetical” to assume that somebody other than Rodriguez will start the season at third base for the Yankees.

The team has said the injury will be treated conservatively, with surgery an option if treatment doesn’t work. Hal Steinbrenner revealed Rodriguez underwent further testing in Colorado today.

Jeter was asked if Rodriguez should try to play through the injury or have surgery that sidelines him potentially for half the season?

“I don’t know,” Jeter said. “I’m not a doctor. I could answer the question if I knew more about it, but I have no idea.”

Jeter said he was caught off guard yesterday to learn of Rodriguez’s injury.

“It was on TV in the clubhouse yesterday when we were playing [in Clearwater, Fla.], so I didn’t think it was that serious beforehand, but obviously you hear that, you know how serious it is.”

What if Rodriguez is lost for a while?

“Anytime if you lose somebody like Al for an extended period of time, it’s going to be a blow to the team, and other people are going to have to step up,” Jeter said. “But there’s conflicting stories as to what’s going on.”

Steinbrenner said Rodriguez had an additional exam in Vail, Colo., where he went Wednesday to meet with Dr. Maarc Phillipon, a leading specialist.

“Everybody is concerned, of course,” Steinbrenner said after meeting with general manager Brian Cashman and manager Joe Girardi for about 15 minutes before today’s game with Detroit. “No decisions being made. Just being cautious. We’re going to take it slow.”

Cashman said he planned to talk with Philippon later Friday and said he could have additional information regarding test results.

“We just want to get our hands wrapped around what is going on,” Cashman said.

With AP