A-Rod homers in Double-A game
Embattled New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez launched a long home run during his minor league rehab game Friday night in Trenton, N.J.
After the game, Rodriguez declared he is "100 percent" ready to play in a major league game for the first time in more than nine months.
That game could come Monday when the Yankees go to Chicago and play the White Sox.
"Unless I get hit by lightning," Rodriguez told CBSSports.com. "These days, you never know."
Major League Baseball might pull the plug on Rodriguez's plans, however.
The cloud of a lifetime suspension still hangs over the 14-time All-Star's head. Sunday is expected to be the deadline for players to accept Biogenesis-related suspensions. The official announcements would then follow Monday.
While most of the other eight players who are expected to be suspended for 50 games reportedly are willing to accept their punishment, Rodriguez has said that he will appeal any suspension.
Rodriguez admitted on Friday night that he believes the Yankees want him banned so they can avoid paying the $95 million left on his contract. Then he said want he really wants is to see baseball "get PEDs out of the game."
The 38-year-old told the postgame news conference that he thinks he can play another five years. He also said he will keep fighting and "follow due process" when it comes to any punishment that might be meted out from the Biogenesis investigation.
Rodriguez, who was playing in the first of two minor league games with Double-A Trenton, belted a 2-0 pitch off Jesse Biddle. Biddle is the Philadelphia Phillies top prospect at Double-A Reading.
Rodriguez's two-run shot easily cleared the 30-foot left-field wall and traveled more than 350 feet. In his first at-bat, Rodriguez didn't take the bat off his shoulder and he drew a walk. In the fifth inning, he struck out.
On defense, he didn't look especially smooth, but did display a strong arm on the two grounders hit to him.
Rodriguez, as planned, left the game after the fifth inning, recording three plate appearances.
He is scheduled to play seven innings Saturday, and if he seems sufficiently recovered from a Grade 1 quad strain, he could join the Yankees on Monday.
"I wish I was in San Diego (where the Yankees are playing). I can't wait to see my teammates. I can help them be a better team, for sure," he said.
While Rodriguez awaits MLB's decision, which is supposed to be announced Sunday, there have been reports his legal team has been trying to negotiate a settlement, but those talks have stalled and the two sides are not close on a settlement.
USA Today reports that MLB has given Rodriguez a choice. Either accept a suspension through the 2014 season or face a lifetime ban.
If Rodriguez accepts the suspension, it would result in the 38-year-old losing $34.5 million in salary. But he would still be due $61 million from 2015-2017, as well as a possible $30 million in bonuses -- if he averts a lifetime suspension.
"There's a lot of layers to this," he said, adding that this is not the last time he will be on the baseball field.
"I love the Yankees. I love the clubhouse and my brothers. I'm excited to go back there and help them win another championship."
