Derek Jeter injury: Expected to begin season on DL

New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is expected to begin the season on the disabled list, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

Hoch notes that Jeter's ankle was too sore to play in a minor league spring training contest yesterday, and general manager Brian Cashman said the Yankees will rest their captain for the next two days. Cashman finally admitted that it seems like Jeter will start the season on the DL due to his lingering ankle injury.

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The reality of the situation is beginning to sink in to Jeter, and the veteran is now targeting a "more realistic" return date of April 6. Cashman said the shortstop appeared to respond well to cortisone injections, but his continued discomfort shows he's still not ready to take on full baseball activities.

Hoch notes that Jeter hasn't missed an Opening Day since 2001. If he is indeed sidelined for the start of the 2013 season, Eduardo Nunez will likely fill in for him.

Jeter hit .316/.362/.429 with 32 doubles and 15 home runs over 683 plate appearances for the Yankees last season. He suffered his significant ankle injury during the playoffs, and he's poised to join fellow veterans Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez and Curtis Granderson on New York's DL.

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