Jeter Outlook Improves, A-Rod Gets MRI

After hearing Sunday night that Derek Jeter may miss the entire Boston series due to a sore knee, the outlook was more optimistic Monday night. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Jeter could have been used in an emergency situation and could very well be back in the lineup Tuesday, if not Wednesday in Boston.

The news wasn't as good for Alex Rodriguez, who jammed his left thumb upon his return from the DL against Minnesota on August 21. Though the MRI (in New York) was negative, A-Rod's thumb is still extremely sore and he is likely to miss the Red Sox series. Eric Chavez will fill in for him against right-handers John Lackey and Josh Beckett, but Eduardo Nunez would likely face lefty Jon Lester if Jeter is healthy enough to play shortstop.

One player shut down, and this is no surprise to anyone, is lefty reliever Pedro Feliciano. He felt what was described as "bad soreness" in his left shoulder and may finally be headed under the knife.

Feliciano To Try To Avoid Surgery

After consulting with the "go to guy", Dr. James Andrews, Yankees left-hander Pedro Feliciano will put off surgery for at least a month and a half.

After examining the reliever's shoulder, Andrews recommended a six week shoulder strengthening program. At the point Feliciano will be re-examined to determine if surgery is necessary.

FullCountPitch | Another Reliever Left Behind

When you think of the left-handed relievers that have worn the New York Yankees uniform over the years, you think of the legendary Luis Arroyo, the mustachioed Sparky Lyle, and the tenacious Mike Stanton. But since the days that Stanton helped the Yankees to three of their four titles in the late 1990′s/early 2000′s, the Yankees cupboard has been threadbare when it comes to quality left-handed relief. Pedro Feliciano, an off-season free agent acquisition, is the latest southpaw to try and fail with the Yankees.

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