Yankees have no timetable for Alex Rodriguez's return after he strains quadriceps
ARLINGTON, Texas – The waiting continues. For the New York Yankees, for Alex Rodriguez, for whatever impact Rodriguez might have on the Yankees' season, a strained left quadriceps means Rodriguez will not join the club in Texas as originally planned, and there is no timetable for his return.
Shortstop Derek Jeter, who returned to the Yankees' lineup 10 days ago from a broken ankle, is on the disabled list with a similar injury. He lasted eight innings in his 2013 debut.
Recovering from hip surgery, the 37-year-old Rodriguez was nearing the conclusion of his minor-league rehabilitation assignment when his left thigh caused him distress. He played Saturday for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and was hitless in four at-bats. By Sunday he was in New York for an MRI, which revealed a Grade 1 strain.
Rodriguez will remain on the disabled list. Because Rodriguez exhausted his maximum allowable minor-league rehabilitation days, the Yankees must petition the league for additional rehab time.
In the meantime, he will return to the Yankees' complex in Tampa, Fla., for rest and treatment.
"I am extremely disappointed with the results of the MRI and am hoping to be back as soon as possible," Rodriguez said Sunday night through his spokesperson. He added he would "continue with my goal of coming back and helping the Yankees win a championship."
Rodriguez's recovery from hip surgery, and now for the quadriceps strain, comes under the cloud of MLB's investigation into the Biogenesis scandal. Accompanied by attorneys and union officials, Rodriguez met with MLB investigators eight days ago and reportedly refused to answer questions.
While reasonably sure Rodriguez, who will be 38 later this week, will be unable to replicate the production of his prime, the Yankees are desperate for offensive reinforcements. They rank 12th in the American League in runs scored, in some part because their third basemen have been inept at the plate. Over 97 games, the likes of Kevin Youkilis, David Adams, Jayson Nix, Chris Nelson and Luis Cruz (and others) have produced four home runs, 26 RBIs and a .585 OPS.
Jeter is eligible to come off the disabled list Saturday.
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