Reports: A-Rod accepts rehab plan to start Aug. 1
Alex Rodriguez, who said early Thursday that he wanted to return to the New York Yankees on Friday, has agreed to a rehabilitation plan beginning Aug. 1, according to multiple reports.
There are conflicting reports on the precise form the rehab would take.
The New York Times reported that Rodriguez and the Yankees agreed that Rodriguez would play in a simulated or minor league game on Aug. 1, then come off the disabled list a day or two later.
However, ESPNNewYork.com reported that Rodriguez said during an interview on WFAN Thursday afternoon that he chose a five-day rehab starting Aug. 1, which could put him back in the Yankees lineup by Aug. 6.
Earlier in the day, Rodriguez had declared that he was ready to play Friday, basing that on the opinion of a doctor who was not authorized by the Yankees.
At that time, Rodriguez released a statement, which read, "I think the Yanks and I crossed signals. I'm excited and ready to play and help this team win a championship. I feel great and I'm ready and want to be in the lineup Friday night. Enough doctors. Let's play."
ESPNNewYork.com reported the Yankees are likely to fine Rodriguez for seeking a second opinion without notifying the team in writing in advance.
The Yankees claim Rodriguez's injured quad is not sufficiently healed for him to play yet.
When the Yankees refused to let him return, Rodriguez said he would accept the rehab plan.
"Obviously, I'm an employee. I have to follow my bosses and I was on the phone with both of my bosses. They said there is a protocol," Rodriguez said on WFAN.
When asked during the radio interview whether he trusts the Yankees, Rodriguez said, "I'd rather not get into that."
