ON THE RUN
Jeter rounds bases, ‘good shot’ to start Grapefruit opener
TAMPA — Unless something happens between now and Thursday, expect to see Derek Jeter in the Yankees’ lineup against the Pirates at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Jeter ran the bases Sunday, and manager Joe Girardi said the shortstop and captain will repeat the exercise before his name is written into the lineup.
“There’s probably a pretty good shot,’’ Girardi said of Jeter playing against the Pirates in a game to be televised by YES at 1:05 p.m.
After last year’s season ended Sept. 7 for Jeter, he’s anxious to play.
“It’s been a while since I’ve played a game,’’ Jeter said. “Everyone looks forward to the first game of spring training.’’
Girardi has started asking players if they are interested in making the trip to Panama next month for a twogame series against the Marlins as a tribute to Mariano Rivera.
Jeter believes he is on the trip.
“I’m pretty sure I’m going to Panama,’’ Jeter said. “Next year we’re going to Kalamazoo (Mich.).’’
Of course, that’s where Jeter grew up.
The Yankees don’t expect to have Andrew Bailey until late in the season, if at all. Signed to a minorleague deal Saturday that could be worth $2.5 million and includes a club option for 2015, Bailey will arrive in big league camp Monday, but is far away from pitching after undergoing shoulder surgery last year.
“August or September, beyond that you’re wasting time talking about it,’’ general man ager Brian Cashman said of the righthander from Wagner College who pitched in 49 games the past two seasons with the Red Sox, after saving 75 games the previous three seasons with the A’s. ... After watching Cuban defectors Aledmys Diaz and Odrisamer Despaigne work out, the Yankees aren’t going to offer the shortstop or righthanded pitcher contracts.
Having looked sharp in bullpen outings, Michael Pineda didn’t look as good facing hitters for the first time since last season, when he threw batting practice Sunday.
“He was just a little jumpy out there on the mound,” catcher J.R. Murphy said, “because he was excited and anxious. I just think I’ve seen him better than how he looked today. I know he has high expectations for himself. But his arm feels good, he told me. That’s the main goal.’’
Girardi and staff members traveled to Clearwater, Fla., Saturday to be briefed about the replaychallenge process and what runners can and can’t do at home plate.
“I have a feeling it’s going to save me money,’’ Girardi said of the challenge process.
Vidal Nuno will start for the Yankees Tuesday against Florida State at Steinbrenner Field and Ivan Nova will start Wednesday against the Pirates in Bradenton, Fla. Girardi hasn’t named a starter for Thursday’s game against the Pirates.
Alfonso Soriano missed his fourth straight day of workouts with the flu. Girardi expects Soriano to be at Steinbrenner Field Monday for a light workout.