A-Rod likely to DH throughout Jays series

TORONTO -- Third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who is nursing a tight right calf, was a game-time decision for Tuesday's opener against the Blue Jays, and was in the lineup as the team's designated hitter and batting second.

Rodriguez received some treatment prior to the game and told reporters he was feeling fine, but he was forced to pass a pregame hurdle before being cleared. The 38-year-old ran and took batting practice and was deemed ready to go, then went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in the Yankees' 2-0 loss.

With Toronto's turf playing surface, there is a good chance that Rodriguez will be limited to DH duties throughout the three-game set.

"I feel like if he can play, he can be productive," manager Joe Girardi said. "I don't know how much we will get out of him in the field. But I still think that if he feels like he can swing the bat, he can be productive.

"Maybe you get through a few days, and he feels a lot better."

Rodriguez entered Tuesday's contest batting .283 with a .385 on-base percentage, six homers and 14 RBIs in 36 games this season.