Yankees rumors: Derek Jeter says he will play Opening Day

Derek Jeter will be ready to go when the Yankees take the field for the first time in 2013. Or at least that's what Jeter said on Monday. According to this report from ESPN New York, the veteran shortstop said he will play on Opening Day next April.

Here is what he had to say about his ankle's progress the past couple of months. Jeter had not spoken with the media since the injury.

"I'll be in the walking boot for another few weeks, and then I'll be good to go," he said. "It's been a long process. What's it been, six or seven weeks, where I haven't been able to move too much? But it's healing probably just as expected. We still got a long way to go before the season starts, but I'll be ready."

Look for Jeter to continue rehabbing through the winter months and into Spring Training.

Assuming his ankle is fully healthy, the Yankees will rely heavily on Jeter once again in 2013. The veteran shortstop played well last season, batting .316 while posting a .791 OPS. His 15 home runs was the most since the 2009 season, and Jeter's WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 3.2 made him one of the better overall shortstops in the American League.

The Yankees are set to open their season at home against the Red Sox on Monday, April 1.