Wednesday night, in a key game against the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter exited in the eighth inning after apparently suffering an ankle injury.

It happened in the top of the eighth inning. With the Yankees ahead 5-3 and runners on first and third, Jeter came to the plate with one out. Jeter hit a bouncer to second baseman Ivan DeJesus -- Dustin Pedroia had left the game just moments before, to attend the birth of his new child -- who flipped to shortstop Mike Aviles, who then threw to first base to complete the double play. Jeter, in his haste to beat Aviles' throw, landed awkwardly on first base. And that was the last anyone saw of him.

This isn't the first time Jeter's struggled with his ankle; it's been bothering him for the last week or so. But this is the first time he's had to leave a game because of it. Obviously, with the Yankees in an unexpected battle for the American League East title, losing Jeter for an extended stretch would be highly unattractive. Especially considering that Jeter's backup is probably Eduardo Nunez. And that Mark Teixeira's out of action for a while.