New York Yankees MLB 2015 News, Rumors: Alex Rodriguez as Designated Hitter
Following a whirlwind 2014, New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez seems to be ready to start off the new season on the right note.
The 39-year-old was caught in the middle of controversy as he accepted HGH, or Human Growth Hormone, from Biogenesis of America, an anti-aging clinic. This was an illegal substance in Major League Baseball as it enhances one's performance. He was expectedly found guilty following the league's thorough investigation.
As a result, he was suspended, along with 12 others, from play and missed out on the rest of the 2014 season – spanning 211 games.
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With all that behind him, A-Rod is focusing now on the games. With Spring Training on its way, many have speculated if he will take part of the action. However, it will not be on Tuesday, when they play the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater, but on the next day when they face-off at Steinbrenner Field.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi told ESPN that he spoke to briefly spoke to Rodriguez when he was deciding when to play the star.
"I just asked him, 'What do you think about Wednesday?,'" Girardi said. "And he said, 'Good.'"
And instead of being an infielder, A-Rod will be used as a designated hitter.
Girardi claimed that he would only use Rodriguez for short periods, as he tries to shake-off some of the rust from not playing.
"I know it's a tall order," Girardi said. "He's 39 1/2 years old, two hip surgeries. But I don't ever count anybody out. We have to see where he is in about four weeks and how he's doing. That's the important thing."
Rodriguez also took part in an intrasquad game, also as a DH. He faced off against a pitching machine, while going 0-2 in the game. His first at-bat was a grounder to third base, while the second flied out to the right.
Most of the regular starters for the Yankees will be out of Tuesday's match. Adam Warren will start for New York, while position players making the trip include Chris Young, Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner.
