Jeter's Milestone Put On Hold

In pursuit of hit no. 3,000 in the illustrious career of New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, the Bronx Bombers and their fans will have to wait as a trip to the Disabled List halts the timing of the All-Star shortstop making history. In his first at-bat during last Monday's game against the visiting Cleveland Indians, Jeter notched the 2,994th hit of his career by lacing a single to left field. There wouldn't be much else to cheer for though as Jeter would have to leave the game just four innings later in what was eventually a 1-0 loss.

After hitting a fly ball to right field, Jeter suffered a strained right calf when he began running to first base. After receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital, an MRI revealed a Grade 1 strain. Though Grade 1 is the lowest level strain possible, the injury forced Yankees skipper Joe Girardi to place his future Hall of Fame shortstop on the DL for the first time since 2003. However, with six hits remaining until he reaches the big milestone and only two games at home before an eight game road trip when Jeter is eligible to return to the lineup, the chances of him reaching the feat at home in front of the New York faithful are slim. That's unless he misses a few starts on purpose. But with the team first mentality Jeter has been known for having, that's unlikely.

The injury also comes at a pivotal time as the archrival Boston Red Sox who were slow out of the gates at 2-10 to start the season, have suddenly caught fire winning 14 of their last 17 games and now own sole possession of first place in the powerhouse AL East. But like almost every season for the past 10 years, the final week or so will decide who comes out on top. And just because the Yankees are without the one they call the captain, doesn't mean they're not going to treat every game like it's their last. Since being placed on the DL, New York has done just fine, winning 6 of their 7 games without Jeter in the lineup.

Given the Yankees franchise is by far the richest in history highlighted by the success of some of the most elite hitters of all-time with the likes of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and Lou Gehrig just to name a few, it's hard to believe no Yankee player has ever reached the highly coveted 3,000 career hit plateau. Taking that into consideration, I think the smart thing for both Jeter and the Yankees organization to do would be to have him reach the milestone while at Yankee Stadium. Though all milestones are better suited in front of a home crowd, it would be disappointing to see Jeter record his 3,000th career hit anywhere other than New York, granted how rare the feat has occurred.

Jeter who turns 37 later this week, is yet to hit his stride and is so far having an off year after experiencing free agency for the first time in his career this past offseason. Currently hitting .260 with 2 home runs and 20 RBI's, Jeter will try to become only the 28th player in Major League history to join the 3,000-hit club. The question that remains is where it'll take place, whether it's on the road or at home whenever he returns to the Yankees lineup.