Cardinals fall to Yankees in exhibition play

TAMPA, Fla. -- Derek Jeter is just about ready to play in the field for the first time this year.

Jeter went 0 for 2 in his second game as a designated hitter since returning from a broken ankle, a 4-0 win for the New York Yankees over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday.

The Yankees captain was hurt Oct. 13 in the AL championship series opener. Jeter grounded out in the first and hit into a double play in the third. He could play shortstop Wednesday

"That's the plan as of now," he said.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi planned to talk with Jeter today.

Derek Jeter takes fielding practice before Monday’s exhibition game against the Cardinals.

"If he comes out OK, we're going to throw him in there," Girardi said.

New York's Hiroki Kuroda gave up three hits and struck out six in four innings.

"I'm getting there," Kuroda said through a translator.

Kevin Youkilis hit a fourth-inning solo homer off Lance Lynn, who allowed one run and two hits over four innings.

"Slider that didn't slide," Lynn said. "That's why we're down here working, trying to make sure that pitch is ready to go for the season. But I threw some good ones early on, so you can't really harp on the one bad one. Other than that one pitch, I threw the ball pretty well."

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny had surgery in St. Louis to repair a ruptured disk in his lower back. Bench coach Mike Aldrete is managing the team in his absence.

"I did get a text from him that said he is feeling better, spoke with our medical staff and they're encouraged by where things are at," St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said. "I hope to see him by the end of the week back in camp, knowing that he's going to have to take it slow and be smart about it."

St. Louis third baseman David Freese played defense for the first since falling into the stands March 4 while attempting to catch a foul ball and landing on his tailbone. Outfielder Matt Holliday, battling flu, didn't make the trip and worked out at the Cardinals' complex in Jupiter.

Youkilis, who started at first base for the first time this spring training, also had a sacrifice fly. Signed to fill in for third baseman Alex Rodriguez (hip surgery), Youkilis could see time at first because Mark Teixeira is sidelined until at least May due to a wrist injury.

Cardinals left-hander Marc Rzepczynski has been cleared to resume limited baseball activities. He had a freak eye injury incurred while golfing on Friday. An object, perhaps a rock or the ball, caromed off a tree and hit Rzepczynski in the eye after he swung at the ball.

"We're just going to be patient on this because it's a unique injury and give him a couple more days," Mozeliak said. "But hopefully by the end of the week, he's back and able to throw a pen."