Derek Jeter: When Will The New York Yankees Shortstop Return To The Lineup?

The New York Yankees began their home series with the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday and Derek Jeter finally rejoined the team -- in a walking boot.

Derek Jeter first injured his left ankle during Game 1 of last season's American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers. Jeter had surgery one week after suffering the injury and was originally expected to recover in time for the start of Opening Day 2013. Battling pain in the ankle during the offseason however, Jeter was placed on the disabled list to start the season.

As ESPN New York reports, a new fracture was found on the injured ankle last week while the 38-year-old shortstop was meeting with Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, North Carolina. Anderson is the doctor who performed Jeter's initial surgery back in October.

At a press conference held before Thursday night's game, Derek Jeter told members of the media he'll play in 2013.

"I've been told the bone will heal," Jeter said during the press conference on ESPN television. "When it heals, I'll be ready to go. It is frustrating that I can't magically make it heal sooner than it is. I have no doubt."

While the Yankees captain seemed certain his words concerning a return would hold true, he did not allow members of the media a timetable for his arrival to New York's starting lineup.

"I'm not getting into timelines," he said. "The last timeline I set, I didn't make. Whenever it heals, I'll be back."

The Yankees have played well during the early part of the season when you consider the plethora of injuries the club has suffered.

First baseman Mark Teixeira, centerfielder Curtis Granderson, third baseman Alex Rodriguez and Jeter have all been out since the beginning of the season. Led by Robinson Cano and solid starting pitching, however, the Yankees have remained a contender in the American League East Division -- at least for the time being.

Getting healthy again across the board will certainly help bring the Yankees back to the powerful club they usually are. Derek Jeter is obviously a huge part of that success.

Since making his Major League debut in 1995 for the Yankees, Jeter has gone on to have a magnificent career.

With a career average of .313 and a total of over 3,300 hits and 1,800-plus RBIs, Derek Jeter is without question one of the premier shortstops in the game, even at the age of 38.

Once he rejoins the Yankees -- whenever that may be -- you can be sure he'll be welcomed with open arms in the Bronx.