The Associated Press

TORONTO - Even the highest payroll in baseball couldn't prepare the New York Yankees for what they face now - playing without leader Derek Jeter for at least a month.

Jeter was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday after dislocating his left shoulder on opening night. The Yankees expect to be without their All-Star shortstop for much longer, and it could be up to four months if he needs surgery.

"We miss him when he's out of the lineup for one game," manager Joe Torre said. "To have him out for an extended period of time, we're lucky we haven't had that happen before."

Jeter will fly with the team to Tampa, Fla., after tonight's game and have an MRI test conducted by Dr. Allen Miller on Thursday.

The Yankees, who open a three-game series with the Devil Rays on Friday, hold spring training in Tampa and have extensive facilities there.

"I'm sure there will be a second opinion after that. Then the doctors will get together and consult and determine a course of action," general manager Brian Cashman said. "It's six weeks minimum. It could be sooner. It certainly could be later."

The test will show the extent of the damage and whether Jeter needs surgery, said Dr. Jonathan Glashow, a shoulder specialist.

Glashow, an orthopedic surgeon at New York's Lenox Hill Hospital, said Jeter could be back in four-to-six weeks if he doesn't need surgery or three-to-four months if he does need an operation.

"Thursday will be the day we'll get at least some sign to the course of action and the ultimate downtime," Cashman said.

Cashman said the Yankees were more comfortable having their doctors in Florida examine Jeter than having tests in Toronto. The team also figured it would be easier for Jeter to stay with the team that to fly to New York on his own.

"I don't think it really makes a difference if we do it now or Thursday," Jeter said. "I want to find out. Obviously, something is wrong, because something is out of place."

Jeter hurt his shoulder in the third inning Monday night when he slid headfirst going from first to third on an infield groundout.