MLB notes: Derek Jeter will start the season on DL

New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter is resigned to starting the season on the disabled list for the first time since 2001.

Jeter is undergoing treatment for his sore left ankle, still recovering from surgery last October. His last game action came as a designated hitter Saturday in a minor league exhibition.

"Of course, it's disappointing," Jeter said Tuesday. "I told you guys all along the goal was to be ready on opening day, and I didn't reach it. I ran out of days. I pushed to try to get there opening day, and it didn't work out. But I've still got to be ready for the majority of the season."

Jeter broke the ankle in the opening game of last year's AL championship series.

"It's a setback for opening day, but it's not a setback in terms of the recovery process," Jeter said. "I heard from the doctor yesterday. It's supposed to happen. Some things you can't control. It's a normal recovery process."

Jeter is expected to join Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson on the disabled list at the start of the season and could be activated for the April 6 game at Detroit. He will meet with team officials to finalize his rehab schedule.

Rodriguez isn't expected back until after the All-Star break following left hip surgery on Jan. 16. Teixeira hasn't ruled out missing the first two months of the season because of a partially torn tendon sheath in his right wrist, while Granderson is expected to be out until the first week of May after breaking his right forearm.

Meantime Tuesday, the trade sending outfielder Vernon Wells from the Los Angeles Angels to the Yankees was finalized. New York dealt a pair of minor leaguers to the Angels on Tuesday for Wells: outfielder Exircado Cayones and left-hander Kramer Sneed. The Angels will pay about $28.5 million of the $42 million Wells is owed over the final two seasons of his contract.

Around the majors

Rangers • Right-hander Derek Lowe has earned a job with Texas and will start the season in the bullpen. Rangers manager Ron Washington said the 39-year-old right-hander will be a long reliever and spot starter. Lowe was 9-11 with a 5.11 ERA last season in 21 starts and 17 relief appearances for Cleveland and the New York Yankees.

Cardinals • St. Louis placed third baseman David Freese on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain. Infielder Ryan Jackson was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday to replace Freese, who hopes to return in time for the home opener April 8 against Cincinnati.

Tigers • Rick Porcello has earned the No. 5 starter's job in Detroit's rotation, and Drew Smyly will start the season in the bullpen. Porcello was 10-12 with a 4.59 ERA in 31 starts for the AL champions last season, when Smyly went 4-3 with a 3.99 ERA in 18 starts as a rookie. Porcello is 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA in six spring training appearances; Smyly is 4-0 with a 3.38 ERA.

Orioles • Infielder Wilson Betemit estimates he'll be out for six to eight weeks because of a tear in his right knee. Betemit was hurt Monday while running the bases in an exhibition game and had an MRI. He was diagnosed with a tear of the posterior cruciate ligament. The 31-year-old Betemit hit .261 with 12 home runs and 40 RBIs last season with Baltimore. He played third base, first base and the outfield, and also was a designated hitter.