A-Rod back in Yankees lineup
By TIM BOOTH AP Sports Writer
SEATTLE(AP)—Two days of rest and treatment was enough for Alex Rodriguez(notes) to feel better. He’s jumping back into the New York Yankees lineup just in time to be welcomed back by the lustful boos that come with every visit to Seattle.
Rodriguez was back in the Yankees lineup on Saturday night, batting fourth and playing third base after missing consecutive games with a sore elbow and back. After doing very little other than getting treatment for his injuries the last two days, Rodriguez hit in the batting cages beneath Safeco Field before Saturday’s game and declared himself ready to play.
“God forbid something happens out there,” Rodriguez said, pointing toward the clubhouse doors and tunnel that lead to batting practice on the field, “I should be ready to go.”
His absence the first two games of the four-game series disappointed the thousands who always turn out to heckle the superstar whenever he returns to Seattle. Their signs and shouts of “A-Fraud!” have accompanied him since he spurned the team he grew up with to become a $252 million free agent with Texas following the 2000 season.
Rodriguez was hit on the left elbow by a pitch from Toronto’s Shawn Camp(notes) in the 11th inning of Wednesday’s win in New York. Manager Joe Girardi held him out of the lineup on Thursday, but along the way, Rodriguez started having back spasms that knocked him out of the lineup Friday.
Rodriguez believes that bracing to be hit by Camp’s pitch caused his back spasms.
“I’ve had little neck stuff but never to where I had to miss a game,” Rodriguez said.
Thursday and Friday were the first consecutive days off for Rodriguez since he made his season debut on May 8 following hip surgery. Rodriguez was kept out of the starting lineup June 19 and 20 but came on as a pinch hitter in the second game of a mandated rest.
“I want to get him back in there as soon as we can. I don’t want to wait too many days,” Girardi said.
The Yankees also announced that Damaso Marte(notes) has been excused from the team for personal reasons. Marte is on the 60-day disabled list with left shoulder problems, but had been on a rehab assignment.
