A-Rod has tight quad, serves as DH in rehab game
Yankees slugger was set to play third base in Triple-A contest
BOSTON -- Alex Rodriguez was shifted from third base to designated hitter Saturday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre due to tightness in his left quadriceps. He went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
After the game, Rodriguez was hesitant when asked if he would appear in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre lineup Sunday against Louisville at PNC Field in Moosic, Pa., as his Minor League rehabilitation assignment winds down.
"I'll speak to Joe [Girardi] tonight or tomorrow, and I'll figure out what the combination is," Rodriguez said. "Either play tomorrow, or maybe off tomorrow, and play Monday. I'll speak with Joe and see what he has on his mind."
The Yankees have been planning for Rodriguez to join the Major League club for Monday's series opener against the Rangers in Arlington, returning him from rehab after his 20-day Minor League assignment expires. He went 2-for-4 with two singles Friday.
General manager Brian Cashman said that decision would be based on how Rodriguez was feeling after his stint with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, adding that it could be a flexible plan if necessary.
If Rodriguez does not join the big league club Monday, he will remain on the disabled list but can no longer play in official Minor League games.
"I'm optimistic that Monday is our day," Rodriguez said. "My only focus is Monday in Dallas. Even if Monday is in jeopardy, there is always Tuesday."