TAMPA, Fla. — Third baseman Alex Rodriguez could rejoin the Yankees within 10 days, according to the doctor who operated on his hip March 9.
Dr. Marc Philippon of Vail’s Steadman Hawkins Clinic watched the three-time AL MVP’s on-field workout Wednesday at the Yankees minor-league complex and said Rodriguez could return to the majors ahead of his May 15 target date.
“He’s looking good. Looking awesome,” Philippon said.
Rodriguez hit in a simulated game for the second consecutive day, facing minor- league pitchers Christian Garcia and Kai Liu, a left-hander from China the Yankees signed two years ago.
Rodriguez slid five times on a sliding mat for the second time, ran the bases and took 112 swings in regular batting practice.
Rodriguez is expected to start playing in extended spring-training games this week.
Meanwhile, Chien-Ming Wang (hips) was scheduled for a bullpen session today and to pitch in an extended spring-training game Saturday.
Footnotes.
Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner was placed on the disabled list with a sore right shoulder, and left-hander Rich Rundles was called up from Triple-A Columbus (Ohio).
• Phillies ace Cole Hamels (ankle) and closer Brad Lidge (knee) are scheduled to throw bullpen sessions today.
• Cardinals shortstop Brendan Ryan left St. Louis’ game against the Braves because of tightness in his left hamstring.
• Jack Lohrke, a major-league infielder in the 1940s and 1950s who drew the nickname “Lucky” after several early brushes with death, died in San Jose, Calif., two days after having a stroke. He was 85.
• Red Sox right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, sidelined by a sore shoulder, threw 47 pain-free pitches and is set for another bullpen session Saturday.
The Associated Press
