ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez’s strained right quadriceps will keep him from playing this week, causing the American League MVP to miss this weekend’s series against the crosstown rival Mets.
“It’s still not where it needs to be. I don’t see him playing this week,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Monday. “You can’t afford to have him come back for two days and lose him again for six weeks.”
Rodriguez hasn’t played since April 28 and is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Thursday.
Girardi said there’s a possibility Rodriguez could participate in extended spring training games by the end of the week.
Footnotes.
Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal will be placed on the 15-day DL today because of a lower back strain. The move will be made retroactive to May 6.
• Braves right-hander John Smoltz is throwing again and hopes his injured rotator cuff heals enough to let him move into the bullpen this month.
• Two days after pronouncing himself unfit to close games for the Brewers, Eric Gagne said he’s ready for another shot at a save, saying: “I know how to close. That’s the only thing I know how to do.”
• The Red Sox designated reliever Julian Tavarez for assignment, clearing room for the return of first baseman Sean Casey (hip).
• Right-hander John Van Benschoten (0-2) was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis following his latest failed trial with the Pirates.
The Associated Press
