Alex Rodriguez will make his first home appearance since the announcement of his pending suspension as the New York Yankees host the red hot Detroit Tigers Friday night at 7:05 p.m. ET.
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Via ESPN:
The Tigers, who have won 12 in a row to go seven games up in the AL Central, haven't won more than 12 consecutive games since 1934, when they won their 14th straight at Yankee Stadium to tie a franchise record. Leyland, 68, was still 10 years away from being born.
Now, the Tigers (68-45) are back at Yankee Stadium, looking to come closer to that elusive mark.
"When we're able to execute as a team, we can do great things," pitcher Max Scherzer said. "That's why we think we're one of the best teams in the American League."
The Yankees (57-56) have been anything but, and getting Rodriguez back for the first time since Detroit swept New York in the 2012 ALCS didn't help much. Rodriguez had a hit apiece in each of his first three games of 2013, playing under the cloud of his 211-game suspension for violations of MLB's drug agreement and labor contract, but the Yankees were swept in Chicago against a White Sox team that came in with a 10-game losing streak.
Rodriguez went 1 for 5 on Wednesday as New York blew leads in the ninth and 12th innings of a 6-5 loss. He was roundly booed in every plate appearance at U.S. Cellular Field, and now awaits what should be an interesting reception at home.
"I am curious what it's going to be like Friday," manager Joe Girardi told the team's official website. "I'm not sure. And I don't really know what the appropriate response is. I don't think it's my right to tell people how to respond to certain situations."
When asked how he'd like the fans in the Bronx to react, Rodriguez gave a diplomatic answer.
"Same way you would like them (to)," Rodriguez said. "Again, I'm just super excited to come home, put on the pinstripes and play for the greatest fans in baseball."
