MLB notes: Jeter returns to Yankee Stadium

MLB notes • N.Y. shortstop recovering from broken ankle.

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

New York • Derek Jeter relocated his rehab from Tampa, Fla., to the Bronx for a couple of days as he recovers from his broken left ankle. He said before Saturday's game against the Rays that he wanted to "break it up" and be around the team.

He took batting practice and grounders from his spot at shortstop with his teammates Saturday. Jeter is doing everything but running outside. He isn't certain when he'll start that last step.

"I would assume in the next couple days," he said.

Jeter is expected back sometime after the All-Star break in mid-July.

"Everything's been going as good as it can go up to this point," he said.

Jeter hasn't played this season after breaking his ankle in the ALCS opener Oct. 13. After surgery, he played just five spring training games because of soreness. A new break was discovered April 18.

He took on-field BP for the first time Wednesday at the Yankees' minor league complex.

Asked if his visit was a request from the team, Jeter said, "No, I wanted to come up."

In other injured Yankees star news, Alex Rodriguez, coming back from hip surgery in January, had five simulated at-bats Friday and again Saturday. That latest step suggests he should be close to returning. On Friday, the third baseman had a hit and a couple of walks, manager Joe Girardi said. On Saturday, he had three grounders to short, a line single to center and a walk against a minor league left-hander.

Brewers' closer Rodriguez earns his 300th career save

Two months ago, Francisco Rodriguez was out of baseball, hoping for a chance to get back to the major leagues.

Given another opportunity by the Brewers in May, Rodriguez has made it pay off. He converted his sixth straight save Saturday — the 300th of his career — to help Milwaukee beat Atlanta Braves 2-0 for the second consecutive day.

"A lot of people thought that I was done, that I had retired," he said. "People forgot that I was just 31 years old. In my career, just last year was a really bad year. I know what I am capable of doing."

Rodriguez gave up one of the Braves' four hits in becoming the 25th closer to reach the 300-save milestone.

Rodriguez, who began the season out of baseball, was signed by Milwaukee on May 16. He has converted all six of his save opportunities and has not been scored upon in 15 of his 16 appearances.

"It feels great," Rodriguez said. "You have no idea how happy and excited I am. I have to continue working hard and hopefully play for many years to come."