Jeter has surgery

The Yankees stopped describing surgeries to their players as “successful” years ago. Instead, they simply give the bare facts of an operation.

Yesterday, the team sent out an update on Derek Jeter’s left ankle surgery performed by Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, N.C.

The statement said a complete recovery is expected to take four to five months. The Yankees initially said when Jeter fractured the ankle in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Tigers, that their shortstop and leadoff hitter would be out three months. It could be that Robertson is being conservative with his prognosis.

Even if it takes five months, Jeter could be ready for Opening Day. What the injury might do is knock Jeter out of playing for Joe Torre and the United States in the World Baseball Classic. ➤ Derek Lowe contributed out of the bullpen and evolved into a clubhouse presence in his short stint with the Yankees. And though he enjoyed playing for the other side of the heated Red SoxYankees rivalry, the righthander’s wish to be a starter likely won’t lead him back to The Bronx.

“I would like to start again,” the 39yearold Lowe said of the role he filled for the Indians this season before being released. “I knew when I came here I was going to be a reliever. My first priority is to start.”

➤ It’s not going to be with the Yankees, but Andruw

Jones said he plans on playing four more seasons.

Jones said yesterday the reason for the lateseason decline that led to him not playing against lefties and not being on the postseason roster, was a jammed left ring finger.

➤ Joba Chamberlain left the Stadium yesterday saying “everything is good’’ when asked how he felt physically. Chamberlain missed the Yankees’ first 102 games while recovering from Tommy John surgery and a dislocated right ankle.