Sore hamstring to keep A-Rod from playing third base

BOSTON -- Alex Rodriguez's speed had already moved into the slow lane following two hip surgeries, but a tight left hamstring now has him putting the caution flashers on.

Rodriguez did not move well on the basepaths in the seventh inning of Friday's 8-4 Yankees loss to the Red Sox, and Rodriguez said that he will be unable to play third base until at least next week because of concern that he will further injure the leg.

"I'm just trying to go where it doesn't blow out. That's pretty much it," said Rodriguez, who has been the Yankees' designated hitter in three straight games.

Rodriguez said that he was feeling some improvement in the hamstring, which he said knotted up on Tuesday in Baltimore, but manager Joe Girardi noticed Rodriguez laboring as he moved to third base on Robinson Cano's two-run double in the seventh.

Girardi had planned to play Rodriguez at third base on Saturday, but he said that his mind had changed after watching Rodriguez run the bases. Rodriguez said that he did not think he could play third base until at least Tuesday in Toronto.

"I'm not sure. I'm coming in every day and doing treatment with [head athletic trainer] Stevie [Donohue]," Rodriguez said. "Hopefully sooner rather than later. But I know that Monday day off will be key for me and hopefully maybe Tuesday."

Girardi said that he believes Rodriguez, who was 0-for-3 with a walk on Friday, will still be available as a DH on Saturday.

"I'm not sure what I'll have [Saturday]," Girardi said. "I'll have to check with him. It's a concern of mine."