TORONTO — Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez returned to the lineup Saturday after missing six games with a sprained left thumb.
Rodriguez batted fifth and started at third base against the Blue Jays, his first appearance since Sept. 9 at Seattle.
Rodriguez, who is batting .284 with 15 homers and 56 RBIs, will hit with a half-inch strip of tape on the handle of his bat. The tape, which Rodriguez used during batting practice Friday, acts as a pad between his hands, relieving pain and pressure on his thumb.
A 14-time all-star and three-time AL MVP, Rodriguez has been limited to 90 games. He had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in July, which sidelined him for 38 games. Rodriguez is two home runs shy of Ken Griffey Jr. for fifth place on the career list.
Buchholz throws off mound.
Red Sox right-hander Clay Buchholz threw 30 pitches off a mound and said he is hoping to be able to pitch in the playoffs.
Buchholz hasn’t pitched since June 16 because of a back injury. He said he was throwing at 75 percent to 80 percent. Manager Terry Francona said the goal will be to have Buchholz throw again on Monday or Tuesday.
• Also, reliever Bobby Jenks said he is on track to be ready for spring training after being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. Once Jenks recovers from the embolism, he will require back surgery to remove two growths on his spine that have caused nerve damage.
A’s call up two players.
The Athletics recalled pitcher Graham Godfrey and first baseman Chris Carter from Triple-A Sacramento.
