Derek Jeter is two hits away from 3,000 but there is breaking news coming from Yankees camp prior to tonight's game against the Rays -- Jeter is not going to the All-Star Game.
The shortstop has apparently just told reporters gathered for what's now a daily pregame press conference on the road to 3,000 that he pulled himself from the game for precautionary reasons in the wake of his calf injury. Jeter is 4 for 18 at the plate since sitting out 18 games with the injury.
Alex Rodriguez, meanwhile, is not in tonight's lineup and is apparently headed for an MRI on his injured knee. When I was in Cleveland Wednesday night, A-Rod's gait was clearly not right. He didn't run well to first base and didn't run well in foul territory after a popup. Something tells me he's going to join Jeter and Mariano Rivera in begging off the trip to Phoenix as well. (5 p.m. update -- A-Rod has also pulled out as well)
Also not playing for the Yankees tonight is Nick Swisher, who pulled a quad last night while playing right field. The Yankees have lost four of five and have fallen behind the Red Sox in the AL East. Jeter's quest is proving to be a distraction.
---Mike Harrington
(www.twitter.com/bnharrington)
tagged
All-Star Game | Yankees
