Jeter expects to be on DL for opener
Yankees captain Derek Jeter is resigned to starting the season on the disabled list for the first time since 2001.
Jeter is undergoing treatment for his sore left ankle, still recovering from surgery last October. His last game action came as a designated hitter Saturday in a minor league exhibition.
“Of course, it’s disappointing,” Jeter said Tuesday. “I told you guys all along the goal was to be ready on opening day, and I didn’t reach it. I ran out of days. I pushed to try to get there opening day, and it didn’t work out. But I’ve still got to be ready for the majority of the season.”
Jeter broke the ankle in the opening game of last year’s AL championship series.
Yankees complete deal for Vernon Wells: The trade sending outfielder Vernon Wells from the Los Angeles Angels to the New York Yankees has been finalized.
New York dealt a pair of minor leaguers to the Angels on Tuesday for Wells: outfielder Exircado Cayones and left-hander Kramer Sneed. The Angels will pay about $28.5 million of the $42 million Wells is owed over the final two seasons of his contract.
Lowe earns spot in Rangers’ bullpen: Derek Lowe has earned a job with the Texas Rangers and will start the season in the bullpen.
Rangers manager Ron Washington said the 39-year-old right-hander will be a long reliever and spot starter.
Lowe agreed March 6 to a minor league contract and will get a one-year deal that pays him $1.25 million in the major leagues and $150,000 in the minors. He can earn $1.7 million in performance bonuses based on a point system for starts and relief appearances.
Lowe was 9-11 with a 5.11 ERA last season in 21 starts and 17 relief appearances for Cleveland and the New York Yankees.
Dice K, Capps stay with Indians: Daisuke Matsuzaka and Matt Capps are staying with the Cleveland Indians.
The pair agreed to minor league contracts Tuesday after being released from their previous deals with Cleveland. The Indians used the moves to get around the provision in baseball’s labor contract that requires a $100,000 retention bonus if a player is not released by Tuesday or assured in writing of a spot on the opening-day roster or major league disabled list.
Cardinals put Freese on DL: The St. Louis Cardinals placed third baseman David Freese on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain.
Infielder Ryan Jackson was recalled from Triple-A Memphis to replace Freese, who hopes to return in time for the home opener April 8 against Cincinnati.
Diaz signs with Marlins: Outfielder Matt Diaz has agreed to a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins following his release by the New York Yankees.
The 35-year-old hit .222 with two homers and 13 RBI in 51 games with Atlanta last season. He batted .200 (6 for 30) with the Yankees during spring training and didn’t have any extra-base hits.