Derek Jeter injury: Returning to shortstop Wednesday

After suiting up as the New York Yankees' designated hitter for his first two spring training appearances, team captain Derek Jeter will return to shortstop Wednesday night, according to Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York.

Jeter told reporters that the plan is for him to be the team's shortstop for Wednesday night's exhibition contest against the Philadelphia Phillies. The 38-year-old is returning for a broken left ankle he sustained during Game 1 of the American League Championship Series. The injury required surgery, and Jeter has been rehabbing since.

Team doctors cleared Jeter to return over the weekend, but he wouldn't be able to fill a more regular role -- shortstop -- until he had shown the ability to run the bases at full speed. The veteran has apparently reached this point in his recovery, but he told reporters that he can't confirm he'll play shortstop Wednesday until he sees how he feels today.

If Jeter does play shortstop tomorrow, manager Joe Girardi estimated it would likely be for four or five innings. He's gone 1-for-4 as DH over his first two spring appearances.

Last season for the Yankees, Jeter hit .316/.362/.429 with 32 doubles and 15 home runs over 740 plate appearances.