With Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira nursing injuries and Robinson Cano off playing in the World Baseball Classic, some sense of normalcy was restored to the New York Yankees on Wednesday when Derek Jeter took the field as a shortstop for the first time since breaking his ankle, and Andy Pettitte made his 2013 debut.
Jeter, who fractured his ankle in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers, looked good fielding a Ben Revere grounder in his only opportunity of the afternoon. Manager Joe Girardi liked what he saw from the Yankee captain. "I think it's a big step towards him finishing his rehab, becoming a player for us. You can't really make that step until you go out there for the first time. I think it's a big step. I think it's big just because of what he means to our team." Jeter was 0-for-2 at the plate and worked a walk. When asked about his availability for Opening Day, Jeter said "The goal is April 1st."
Pettitte will be counted on to have a big year for the Yankees, due to their depleted offense. Last season, Pettitte was 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA but only made 12 starts due to a fractured fibula he suffered after being struck by a line drive. Pettitte got the win Wednesday, going four innings and giving up four hits and one earned run while walking three and striking out three.
It was not a spectacular performance, but Pettitte and the Yankees were just happy to trot him onto the mound. ''It's just good to get back out there and see somebody in different uniforms. I felt good. As far as stuff-wise, I didn't feel great. Felt like my command was nowhere near what I wanted. It gives you something to work on next time.''
Pettitte is scheduled to pitch next in a minor league exhibition game on Monday.
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