Report: Jeter May Sit For Angels Finale

Apr 26, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) high-fives designated hitter Alfonso Soriano (12) in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

According to a report from George A. King III and Dan Martin of the NY Post, New York Yankees’ shortstop Derek Jeter may sit during the series finale between the Bombers and the Anaheim Angels. When asked if Jeter would sit because of the previous night’s game being an evening affair, Yankees’ skipper Joe Girardi responded:

"“I wouldn’t assume anything, we will see,’’ Girardi said. “We are facing a lefty [Saturday]. The times I have given him the day game [off] after a night game it was against a right-hander. And our team is constructed a little bit different.’’ (h/t George A. King III, Dan Martin)"

If Jeter does sit, the only option to play Sunday night is early season surprise Yangervis Solarte. While he can play shortstop, he has yet to for Girardi since the regular started. “I am sure at some point I will play him at short,’’ Girardi said of Solarte. The Yankees are playing with a short roster for the time being, due to the Michael Pineda 10-game suspension. The Yankees optioned utility infielder Dean Anna to Triple-A Scranton, leaving Solarte as the only extra bench infielder. Brendan Ryan, who was resigned this past off-season to be Jeter’s primary backup at short, is getting ready to start his rehab assignment this coming week. Ryan has been dealing with a back injury since mid-way through spring training.

Girardi can use Sunday as an opportunity to get his soon-to-be 40-year-old shortstop two days off because the Yankees don’t have a game on Monday. It is times like this that Girardi needs to take full advantage of extra rest for his Captain, as Jeter started in every game excluding five thus far in the season’s first month.

UPDATE: Derek Jeter is in the starting lineup, and Yangervis Solarte will be playing second base Sunday night against the Angels.