Jeter may be ready to begin game action in Minors

BALTIMORE -- The latest update on Derek Jeter is that he has made it through all of his simulated at-bats fine and may be in position to progress to game action.

According to manager Joe Girardi, Jeter had more simulated at-bats on Saturday in Tampa, Fla., and should soon progress to a Minor League rehab game.

"With the simulated at-bats, I think the next step would be a game, like a rehab game," Girardi said.

Girardi said that Jeter has not yet run the bases, but that he has run arcs on the infield. Jeter has reported no problems with his surgically repaired left ankle, which he reinjured during Spring Training.

"Everything has been good," Girardi said.

Girardi said it is likely that both Jeter and Alex Rodriguez would need a full 20-day Minor League assignment before they could rejoin the big league roster.

"I think you have to assume it, just because they haven't played at all, and the first couple of games, they are going to play four or five innings," Girardi said. "You just have to build yourself up, and it takes time -- kind of like a regular Spring Training.

"You just go day by day and decide when they're ready. They're coming off injuries, so you want to make sure they'll able to go back-to-back-to-back, possibly. It's a little bit different."