Derek Jeter was scratched from the New York Yankees lineup prior to Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. It has been reported that the Yankees captain was dealing with stiffness in his left ankle. Gil Velasquez will start in his place.
Joe Girardi told reporters that Jeter had been flexing his ankle a lot during batting practice, and was clearly having trouble stretching it out. Jeter eventually went to Steve Donohue, who told Girardi. Being a spring training game, Girardi then made the lineup change.
Girardi was unsure as to what long-term impact the ankle stiffness could have, and did not know whether it was a one-day injury or a sign of things to come. Jeter had surgery to repair the ankle after he broke it while diving for a ball in game one of the American League Championship Series in October.
Just hours before being scratched, Girardi had commented that Jeter could be the designated hitter on Opening Day.
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