Yankees’ Jeter Dislocates Shoulder on Opening Day

The New York Yankees had not yet played three complete innings of the new 2003 season before losing team leader and shortstop Derek Jeter to a dislocated shoulder. The injury was caused by a violent collision with Toronto Blue Jays catcher Ken Huckaby as Jeter attempted a headfirst slide into third base.

While the extent of the injury was not yet clear, Jeter is scheduled for an MRI on Thursday, and it is expected that he’ll be placed on the 15-day disabled list and will miss at least a month’s worth of action.

Immediately after the collision, Jeter was clearly in pain while Yankee trainers evaluated the injury. After about 10 minutes, Jeter was escorted off the field and into the clubhouse, where his left shoulder was popped back into place. He was taken shortly afterward to the hospital for X-rays, which indicated that nothing in Jeter’s shoulder is actually broken.

This most recent injury is not the first time Jeter’s shoulders have suffered. In 2001, Jeter missed several spring training games with a strained right shoulder. At the time, the injury was treated with anti-inflammatory medications, an intense physical rehabilitation program, and lots of ice. Recovering from this latest injury may not be quite as easy.

Dr. Steven Nicholas, a New Jersey orthopedic surgeon, told the New York Post that the all-star shortstop could miss as much as several months of the season, depending on what MRI results show. Several options are available for treatment, including intense physical rehabilitation and arthroscopic surgery.

This injury comes as a great blow to Jeter, who was looking forward to a healthy start to the season. Last year represented a disappointing season for the 2000 World Series MVP, who hit below .300 for the first time in three years. The shortstop had indicated that some of his problems may have stemmed from his previous shoulder injury, but Yankees manager Joe Torre remarked Sunday that Jeter seemed exceptionally healthy heading into the 2003 regular season.

Jeter has a history of playing through various injuries in order to remain in the lineup. This latest injury represents the fourth time in his career he’s been on the disabled list, but is by far the worst ailment he has suffered in his career.

Photo courtesy espn.com.

Sources: espn.com mlb.com

Last updated: 01-Apr-03