The feeling within the Yankee organization when Derek Jeter sprained a left thumb ligament in the ALCS opener against the Red Sox was that the team would be fortunate if he could keep playing, and that he certainly would need postseason surgery.

As it turned out, Jeter played in all seven games against Boston and all six against Florida in the World Series – and yesterday, the Yankees found out for certain their star shortstop will not need surgery.

Team physician Stuart Hershon and hand specialist Mel Rossenwasser examined Jeter yesterday, and the Yanks announced those doctors had determined the injury was healed.

Thus, Jeter is going to escape this offseason not needing surgery of any type.

There also had been concern that the left shoulder he dislocated on opening night in Toronto would require a procedure during the postseason. Instead, rest followed by a strengthening regimen was prescribed for Jeter.