NEW YORK — Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has a slight tear in the cartilage in his right knee, a probable cause of his sudden power loss, and the 14-time all-star is expected to soon decide on the best course of action.
New York manager Joe Girardi revealed the injury before Saturday’s game against Tampa Bay and said Rodriguez was out of the lineup. An MRI exam Friday showed a slight tear in the cartilage and left A-Rod with two options: He could try to play through it or have knee surgery and miss perhaps a month of the season.
Girardi said he expected a decision would be announced today. Rodriguez, who turns 36 this month, has already pulled out of Tuesday’s All-Star Game in Phoenix.
Braun out of All-Star Game
MILWAUKEE — Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun is out of the All-Star Game because of a lingering strain in his left calf.
Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said he had a discussion with Braun and trainer Roger Caplinger to reach the decision. Braun was disappointed he has to pull out after being the NL’s top vote-getter, but he didn’t want to risk aggravating the injury.
Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen will replace Braun on the NL roster.
Ortiz offers an apology
BOSTON — Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz apologized for charging and swinging at Orioles pitcher Kevin Gregg on Friday at Fenway Park.
“I haven’t had a fight since I was in kindergarten,” Ortiz said with a smile. “That’s not what the fans want to see. That’s not part of my personality. I don’t like being caught in a situation like that.”
Braves put Jones on DL
PHILADELPHIA — The Braves placed third baseman Chipper Jones on the 15-day disabled list because of a medial meniscus tear in his right knee.
Jones is scheduled to have a procedure today in Atlanta and likely will miss two to three weeks. His spot on the roster was filled by infielder Brandon Hicks, who was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett.
Footnotes.
Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said J.J. Putz will be his closer when he returns from the 15-day DL.
• The Pirates activated slugging third baseman Pedro Alvarez from the DL and immediately optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis.
• White Sox catcher Ramon Castro broke his right hand while trying to catch a pitch in the eighth inning against the Twins.
