TAMPA – Derek Jeter’s right hamstring isn’t an issue any longer.
Jeter, who sat out running drills Sunday, returned to the program yesterday at George M. Steinbrenner Field when he ran in the outfield and the bases.
“He said it was a non-issue,” Girardi said of Jeter, who is slated to play today against the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla. “I will check with him and see how he feels [today] and make sure he has no tightness in it.”
The Yankees aren’t saying if they will add extra security today for the trip to Dunedin which Alex Rodriguez will make and take a verbal beating from the crowd. Usually, the Yankees travel with two security men in spring training. However, a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s officer has been around the workouts lately.
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Reliever Edwar Ramirez’s discomfort in the right shoulder is a mild case of bursitis. He is expected to miss three days of throwing.
“We hope he gets on the mound shortly,” Girardi said. “We are not considering it to be a long time. Flat ground is the first thing he will do. Hopefully that will be this week. He should get better fairly quickly.”
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The Yankees knew that Rodriguez, Cano and Jeter definitely were in the WBC. Catcher Francisco Cervelli (Italy) and reliever Damaso Marte (Dominican Republic) were selected last night when rosters were finalized.
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Because Girardi could be without three-fourths of his starting infield until March 24 if the Dominican and USA squads reach the WBC finals, get used to seeing lesser lights at third, short and second.
“We are going to give a lot of people a chance to play,” Girardi said, mentioning Cody Ransom, Angel Berroa, Ramiro Pena and Eduardo Nunez. “I believe if you are here you should play in games. For the younger players who are here it’s important for them to play in these games so they know what it’s like. I think it’s good for their maturation process.”
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Having named his first four exhibition game starters, Girardi said Alfredo Aceves will start Sunday. Aceves is in the mix for long reliever/spot starter job. … Hideki Matsui ran for a second straight day, but Girardi doesn’t have a date when the DH will make his spring debut.