Jeter tests calf by taking part in baseball activities

NEW YORK -- Derek Jeter took batting practice on the field Tuesday for the first time since going on the disabled list with a right calf strain on Aug. 3. He also took ground balls at shortstop and tested his calf with some light running on the field.

It's a sign of progress for the Yankees' shortstop, who took tee and toss for the first time on Monday. He said he'll probably do similar programs on Wednesday and Thursday before flying to Tampa, Fla., to continue his rehab while the Yankees are on the road.

"It's a day-to-day thing," Jeter said. "They told me I'm taking BP, so I'm taking BP. Tomorrow, I don't know. I know I'm going to Tampa on Thursday. That's all I know."

Jeter is 10 days into his third DL stint this season. He missed the first three months of the season while recovering from a broken left ankle, returned to play one game on July 11 and went on the DL again after suffering a right quad strain in that game. He joined the club again on July 28, but he was only able to play four games before going back on the DL.

Jeter -- who is batting .211 with a home run and two RBIs -- said he wasn't sure if he would be able to return to the Yankees when eligible on Sunday. He also doesn't know whether he'll have to play rehab games in the Minors before he returns.

"I always think I can just jump back in. I did last time," Jeter said. "If they want me to go play somewhere, I'll go play somewhere. It's entirely up to them. I'm not really in a power position to negotiate. That's all I can say."