Derek Jeter, in uniform at Yankee Stadium's field on Wednesday, made his first appearance throwing a ball with the team since October 13.

The shortstop played a light game of catch with a member of the team support staff during batting practice before Wednesday night's game against the New York Mets. His return to playing in a game is reportedly still weeks and likely months away.

Watch a video of the press conference regarding Jeter's return here.

The last time Jeter was in uniform on this field he left the game with his left ankle broken and his future in baseball in question. Jeter is still on the road to recovery, but is expected to return to action with the Yankees sometime during the second half of the season.

Jeter told ESPN he will be examined by the doctor who performed surgery to repair the original break last October "in the next week and a half,'' and hopes to get approval to increase the intensity of his workouts.

Jeter refused to guess when he might return this time.

"As soon as possible. That's it,'' he said. "I'm not going to put a date on it. The last time I put a date on it, it didn't work. So as soon as I can play, I'll play.''

Jeter's ankle, which suffered a new fracture while in rehabilitation for the original one he suffered in spring training, was removed from a walking boot last May 24. 

The player said his brief catch session with Anthony Flynn, the Yankees' video coordinator, was the first time he had thrown a ball since he was injured March 24, the day after he had taken four at-bats as a designated hitter in a minor league game in Tampa.

Jeter said he still does not know how or when he re-injured the ankle.

"It was just a freak incident, I guess, that caused it to break again,'' he said.

"I don't know why, and I don't think anyone knows why. If I had to guess, it would probably be when I didn't play in that game in Clearwater. I don't just come out of games and not play because it feels stiff.''

Tags: derek jeter New York Yankees New York Mets Subway Series