New York Yankee Captain Derek Jeter Suffers Broken Ankle, Out For Postseason

Oct 13, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) reacts after being injured while attempting to field a ball hit by Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta (not pictured) in the 12th inning during game one of the 2012 ALCS at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

During the post game interview, Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi announced the injury that cause Derek Jeter to exit the game in extra innings was indeed a broken ankle. He immediately declared that Jeter would be out for the remainder of the postseason.

Jeter’s replacement will likely be Jayson Nix who likely is a better defender than Jeter (or at least as good), but is nothing close in an offensive capacity. Nix has a career .214/.285/.371 slash line which, needless to say, isn’t good. There was once a time when Alex Rodriguez might be considered for a return to his former position of shortstop, but I would have to believe that he’s well past the point of being able to hand the position at this stage in his career.

Jeter’s injury will have major ramifications on the Yankee’s lineup. Ichiro Suzuki may move up to hit leadoff, but who knows who will hit second. Curtis Granderson or Nick Swisher may have been considered for the role in the past, but they’re both having horrendous Octobers at the plate. Perhaps Raul Ibanez, playoff hero, will make the transition up toward the top of the order.

I wouldn’t ever root for a player to get hurt, but I also won’t pretend that this isn’t a huge break for the Tigers. Not only did the Yankees effectively give up home field advantage with the loss, they lost one of their top position players (and their captain) in the process.