BOSTON - Derek Jeter ambled through the visiting clubhouse just after 4 p.m. wearing shorts, a sleeveless T-shirt and Air Jordan high tops. No wrap on his leg. No noticeable signs of distress, but a big smile.”Where’s (Morgan) Ensberg?” Jeter asked to no one in particular.

The ailing Yankee captain may have been in a good mood yesterday before the Bombers began a early-season test against their bitter rivals, but the news about him wasn’t. Jeter, who is nursing a strained left quadriceps, missed last night’s 4-1 victory over the Red Sox and is likely out for the entire weekend series at Fenway. Alberto Gonzalez started at shortstop in Jeter’s place last night.

“It’s probably doubtful. The earliest we would see him is (tomorrow), but we’ll see what happens,” said Yankee manager Joe Girardi, when asked if Jeter would make an appearance this weekend. Girardi said Jeter could take ground balls today.

“I haven’t run in a few days, so I don’t know if they would say, ‘Go run two sprints and then go play,’” Jeter said before last night’s game. “I’ll know more after I’m able to go on the field.”

With rainy conditions expected again in Beantown today, the Yankees are sure to be extra careful regarding any decisions about Jeter. Girardi said the lousy weather wasn’t the only reason for the cautious approach, but added that “it doesn’t help.”

Jeter has not put on the disabled list, but Girardi would still not rule it out. Jeter, as he has always done since breaking into the majors, said if it was up to him, he wouldn’t rule out playing - even in inclement weather. “I wouldn’t hesitate, but they might,” Jeter said.

BOSTON - Derek Jeter ambled through the visiting clubhouse just after 4 p.m. wearing shorts, a sleeveless shirt and Air Jordan high tops. No wrap on his leg. No noticeable signs of distress, but a big smile.

“Where’s (Morgan) Ensberg?” Jeter asked to no one in particular.

The ailing Yankee captain may have been in a good mood yesterday before the Bombers began a early-season test against their bitter rivals, but the news about him wasn’t. Jeter, who is nursing a strained left quadriceps, missed last night’s 4-1 victory over the Red Sox and is likely out for the entire weekend series at Fenway. Alberto Gonzalez started at shortstop in Jeter’s place last night.

“It’s probably doubtful. The earliest we would see him is (tomorrow), but we’ll see what happens,” said Yankee manager Joe Girardi, when asked if Jeter would make an appearance this weekend. Girardi said Jeter could take ground balls today.

“I haven’t run in a few days, so I don’t know if they would say, ‘Go run two sprints and then go play,’” Jeter said before last night’s game. “I’ll know more after I’m able to go on the field.”

With rainy conditions expected again in Beantown today, the Yankees are sure to be extra careful regarding any decisions about Jeter. Girardi said the lousy weather wasn’t the only reason for the cautious approach, but added that “it doesn’t help.”

Jeter has not put on the disabled list, but Girardi would still not rule it out. Jeter, as he has always done since breaking into the majors, said if it was up to him, he wouldn’t rule out playing - even in inclement weather. “I wouldn’t hesitate, but they might,” Jeter said.