The New York Yankees have been playing extremely well during the first part of the season despite dealing with a high number of injuries to important starters and one of those players may be on his way back to action, as Alex Rodriguez has resumed baseball activities in Tampa.
According to ESPN.com, Rodriguez was back on the field for the first time since getting hip surgery and the third baseman took part in some running, catching and hitting off a tee with a number of other injured players. The 37-year-old has been out of action since having surgery earlier in the year and reports say that he could return sooner than captain Derek Jeter, who is dealing with complications from his broken ankle.
The third baseman could be back by the All-Star break for the Yankees and he said that he is in a 30-day rehab schedule that was put together by the team and doctors to help him move closer to a full recovery. Rodriguez said he was taking his rehab day by day and that he was looking forward to getting back out on the field. The report said that he gave autographs to fans and also took photos.
The Yankees have been dealing with a number of injuries this season and the players working down in Tampa sound like the reserves for an all-star team with Mark Teixeira rehabbing a wrist injury, Curtis Granderson a broken forearm, Kevin Youkilis with a back issue and catcher Francisco Cervelli on his broken hand. Jeter is also on the disabled list and Teixeira said that it was good to see Rodriquez getting back on the field, even for just light work.
Rodriguez has been in the news for more than his injury after reports in the Miami New Times linked him to a suspicious clinic, but so far there has been no direct proof and Rodriguez has denied the claims. He said he can only control what he does himself and said that he is working on getting healthy and getting back on the field. Rodriguez has been dealing with injuries over the past two seasons and he still has over $100 million on his contract, leading to speculation that one day the Yankees might cut him loose.
"I have a lot of unfinished business," said Rodriguez, who struggled offensively late last season. "I'm really looking forward to getting back on the field close to 100 percent and being who I am."
