Trenton, NJ – New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez began another minor league rehab stint by launching a two-run homer in a 6-2 victory for Double-A Trenton over Reading Friday night.
Rodriguez, who is facing a lengthy suspension from MLB for his alleged role in obtaining performance-enhancing drugs from Biogenesis of America, was removed from the game after playing five innings at third base.
Rodriguez, who walked in his first at-bat, homered to left field in the third inning against Phillies farmhand Jesse Biddle. A-Rod was called out on strikes in the fifth inning.
His rehab will continue Saturday night in Trenton and he could return to the New York Yankees Monday when the team plays in Chicago against the White Sox.
"I can't wait to see my teammates. I feel like I can help them," Rodriguez said. "I feel like I can help them be a better team for sure."
Before that, though, he will likely be suspended.
Several media sources reported earlier Friday that MLB will likely announce suspensions for those players involved in its investigation of Biogenesis on Monday.
"My job is to do everything I can physically and mentally to get back on the field and help my team win," the 14-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner said. "As far as all the legal stuff, to me it's been confusing. The one thing I've gotten from so many people, so many fans, some teammates is 'what is going on?' I think there's a lot of people who are confused, a lot of people who don't understand the process."
Rodriguez has not yet played this season due to hip and quad injuries. He was sidelined for the first 3 1/2 months after recovering from hip surgery and recently the Yankees and the three-time AL MVP have clashed on the quad injury with A-Rod saying he wants to play, but the Yankees saying he needed more time to recover.
"It's a challenge. The hips are enough of a challenge. It's been hard work," Rodriguez said.
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