ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Yankees feared the worst when Didi Gregorius tore cartilage in his right wrist sliding headfirst into home to score the winning run on Saturday, but it now seems they will have their shortstop back without restrictions when they play the Athletics in the wild card game Oct. 4 — and perhaps earlier.

Gregorius was cleared for baseball activities after seeing a doctor Wednesday. He hit in the cage, took grounders and made throws at shortstop at Tropicana Field before the Yankees lost to the Rays, 8-7.

“Like I have been saying, it was not something crazy,’’ Gregorius said. “Everybody plays through everything.’’

He reported no issues after finishing his workout.

“I am cleared to do everything,’’ said Gregorius, who received a cortisone injection on Sunday which appears to have worked. “I’ll play as soon as they let me play. I will be in there.”

That could be as soon as this weekend in Boston, the final series of the regular season. And even if he doesn’t return in time for those last three games against the Red Sox, Boone is hopeful Gregorius will be back in time to face Oakland, “especially if we play it really conservatively and it looks like it’s continuing to improve.”

The manager has sounded more cautious than Gregorius throughout the process, was again hesitant to look too far ahead, despite the positive development.

Asked if he was relieved by Wednesday’s news, Boone said: “I probably don’t allow myself to go there yet. I want to get through this day and continue to see what the doctors are saying. Since the first day [of the injury], he’s come in upbeat and optimistic and that’s been really good to see. We continue to get pretty good news each day, but I temper it until we’re out of the woods and he’s able to go.”

Adeiny Hechavarria started at short again for Gregorius, but was replaced by pinch-hitter Greg Bird in the sixth. When the Rays brought in lefty Jose Alvarado, Bird was replaced by Gleyber Torres, who missed Tuesday’s game with hip tightness.

Torres struck out and remained in the game at short.

Thursday will also be important for Gregorius because Boone wants to see how he feels after hitting and throwing for the first time following the injury.

“Hopefully everything goes well and he bounces back,’’ Boone said. “We’ll continue to follow what the doctors are saying, but it’s definitely an encouraging step.”

If that remains true, Boone said Gregorius could play at Fenway Park.

“I would say hopefully at some point this weekend that would be ideal,’’ Boone said.

Just as importantly, Boone is confident he won’t have any restrictions when he’s on the field.

“If he’s playing, hopefully nothing,’’ Boone said. “I hope he can get to the point where he’s full-go.”