TAMPA, Fla. -- Yankees captain Derek Jeter plans to wait until teammate Alex Rodriguez addresses his latest off-the-field controversy before commenting on the matter.
The Miami New Times reported last week that Rodriguez bought human growth hormone and other performance-enhancing substances during 2009-12 from Biogenesis of America LLC, a now-closed anti-aging clinic in Coral Cables, near Rodriguez's off-season home.
The new public relations firm for the three-time AL MVP issued a statement denying the allegations.
"I don't comment on anyone until they speak first," Jeter said Monday. "Let him address his situation before I comment on it. Let him speak first and then we'll talk about that."
Rodriguez admitted four years ago that he used PEDs from 2001-03. He had hip surgery last month and is expected to be sidelined until after the All-Star break.
Jeter started his second week of workouts on a baseball field after breaking his left ankle last October. The 38-year-old fielded 55 grounders on the grass in front of the infield dirt at shortstop at the team's minor league complex. He also hit in a batting cage.
The 13-time All-Star expects to start in New York's opener against Boston on April 1. He plans to start running later this month at spring training.
"Everything's been good," Jeter said. "Everything's right where it needs to be. The goal is April 1st, that's when we start our season. I'm right where I need to be. I've been progressing just fine."
Jeter broke the ankle lunging for a grounder in the AL championship series opener against Detroit on Oct. 13, and had surgery a week later.
