MINNEAPOLIS – Thanks to a deep chest cold, Derek Jeter didn’t have the chance to break out of a miserable slump last night against the Twins.

Joe Torre noticed Jeter dragging in the previous few games and decided – even with the Yankees on a six-game losing streak that finally ended last night – that a night off would benefit the captain.

“He told me [Friday] night he wasn’t going to play me,” Jeter said upon arriving in the clubhouse. “I asked if I could convince him to play me and he said, ‘No.’ “

Jeter started fighting the cold before the Yankees left for Kansas City on Monday, but initially thought it was allergies. However, it was quickly diagnosed as a chest cold and Jeter was given medication.

Torre was hoping he would get Jeter back today but wasn’t sure.

Jeter was in the worst slump of his season with two hits in 19 at-bats (.105).

Hitting in the clutch, a problem all season for Jeter, has been especially bad lately.

In his last 15 at-bats with runners in scoring position, Jeter has one hit.