Derek Eater! Yankees star piles on the pounds as he recovers from a broken ankle

PUBLISHED: 13:02 EST, 30 November 2012 | UPDATED: 15:32 EST, 30 November 2012

Healing his broken ankle may have given Yankee's star Derek Jeter one more health problem to worry about as the ballplayer appears to have packed on the pounds.

The 38-year-old shortstop was photographed at a South Beach, Miami, hotel on Thursday sporting a slightly fuller figure than his usually toned frame.

Yankees General manager Brian Cashman told reporters that Jeter's broken ankle has put him in a non-weight bearing situation that will likely last until January, meaning the only exercise he can do is restricted to his upper body.

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Jeter Big man: Jeter's exercise routine has been limited to his upper body as he can't put strain on his foot

The baseball star was seen wearing an ankle brace to protect his damaged foot.

Jeter was helped from the field when broke his while ankle playing against the Detroit Tigers in the 12th inning of Game 1 of the ALCS in October.

He was moving to his left after a ground ball, before falling to the floor writhing in pain.

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Jeter's ankle had been a source of pain for him in the weeks leading up to the game.

He had even fouled a ball off his foot while playing for the division series against the Baltimore Orioles.

Jeter has one year left on a three-year $51 million contract with the Yankees, with a player option for a fourth year.

Helped from the field: Jeter snapped his ankle in a post-season game against the Detroit Tigers in October

Now and then: Yankees talisman Derek Jeter appears to have packed on the pounds while out injured

Recovery time for the October injury was estimated at about three months, and Jeter should be ready to play at the start of the new season.

The injury ended Jeter's streak of playing in each of the Yankee's 157 postseason games since joining the team and major league baseball in 1996.

Jeter was last put on the disabled list in the 2011 season when he sustained a calf injury. It was only his fifth time on the list since his rookie year.

He came back from that injury revitalized and hammering in his 3,000th hit.

But now at the age of 38, some are already noting that Jeter is likely nearing the end of his career.

Aside from his baseball skills, Jeter's lean frame and good looks have landed him in the celebrity spotlight on more than one occasion, especially his three year romance with actress Minka Kelly.

The pair split in 2011.

Luxury: Since being injured, Jeter has been recovering at his estate in Tampa, Florida

Old flame: Jeter split with longtime girlfriend Minka Kelly last year

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EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Yankees' Derek Jeter packing on the pounds during recovery - m.NYPOST.com

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Derek Eater!! ha ha ha!! Too funny

- Chico , Toronto, 01/12/2012 20:15

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I'm amazed at the attention and how much everyone is giving him a hard time about gaining a few pounds. The Yankee organization and his doctors told him to take it easy, not try and do too much before his ankle is fully healed. Besides it's Dec 1st he doesn't have to report to spring training until Feb 15. Derek is a very hard working and dedicated guy, I'm sure he will be fine and ready for opening day. As for the NY Post who started this BS to TMZ and a lot of other Blogs, please give the man a break (no pun intended).

- KittyKat , New York, United States, 01/12/2012 19:41

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Derek Eater? Wow dailymail.... way to be a huge bully ......jesus

- lgk , new york, 01/12/2012 19:08

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I am all for health and physical fitness, but in Derek's defense, having a broken ankle is not like having a broken finger! He can't exactly run, swim, or be very physically active. He should be mindful of what he eats, but I am sure her will lose it once he heels. Either way, Derek got injured actually PLAYING BASEBALL. You know, that thing that Alex Rodriguez WASN'T DOING!

- Kara , San Francisco, 01/12/2012 18:39

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Leave him be. He is the epitome of class and how to act in sports, and you NEVER see him lose his temper in games. Just about the best captain the Yankees have ever had. It was absolutely nightmarish how his season ended and of course the Yankees' playoff hopes ended with his leaving the field, ugh, I just don't want to relive it. He will be coming back just when Mariano Rivera does, it will be a fantastic Opening Day we hope.

- vilzvet3 , Kings Park, 01/12/2012 16:30

Click to rate Rating 14

Hope his waist is all that has changed! Is that a mullah on his t-shirt?

- Bill , Happy Valley, 01/12/2012 13:46

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Derek jeter current GF is a very successful model named Hannah Davis. So I dont get the headline..why mention his ex unknown failed actress?

- palli , rvk, Iceland, 01/12/2012 08:59

Click to rate Rating 8

He is still way skinnier than most of our fellow Americans!

- Jacks fountain , San Francisco, United States, 01/12/2012 07:46

Click to rate Rating 10

My waist thickened after I broke a rib. So did my cousin, after breaking his leg, and he was only a teen. Rehab will burn it off, especially if someone needs endurance like an athlete.

- Shreela , Houston, 01/12/2012 06:14

Click to rate Rating 18

Leave the guy alone. He's one of the few truly class acts in baseball.

- hnod , Nashville USA, 01/12/2012 04:13

Click to rate Rating 31

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