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Yankees News: Alex Rodriguez Return Further Delayed

By Kenneth Teape

May 17, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Recent New York Yankees news revolves around DH Alex Rodriguez, whose return has been delayed yet again.

New York Yankees news continues to be negative regarding the injured Alex Rodriguez. There was hope that Rodriguez would return to the lineup on Thursday, the first day eligible, against the Oakland Athletics. But, he did not pass all the necessary requirements to get back in the lineup, and his return was delayed.

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There were hopes that he could return still at some point this weekend, but that no longer seems to be in the cards either. It does not look like Rodriguez will be taking the field this weekend at all, instead the start of the Yankees’ next series against the Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday seems to be his next target date.

According to ESPN New York’s Wallace Matthews, a clubhouse source said that Rodriguez would not be ready to take the field Saturday when the Yankees face off against the Athletics’ rookie left-handed pitcher Sean Manea. The same source says that Rodriguez will likely be held out throughout the weekend then, as right-handed pitcher Jesse Hahn is scheduled to take the mound Sunday.

When asked about the chances of Rodriguez taking the field this weekend, manager Joe Girardi didn’t offer too much of a positive outlook, saying, “I’m not sure. A lot of it is just how he feels. We could do it tomorrow. There’s the old theory that if a guy feels good, you wait an extra day just to make sure. Then you have to decide: We’re off Monday, so does it make sense to give him a couple extra days just to make sure? Let’s just see how he comes out tomorrow.”

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Things do seem to be looking up for Rodriguez though, as he took part in some running on the field prior to Friday night’s game. That is an improvement from earlier in the week when Rodriguez was unable to run the bases at all.

According to Matthews Rodriguez was practicing running the bases pre-game, going from first to third and third to home. He also added going halfway on a flyout and taking a turn at first base to turn it into extra bases. Girardi said, “He ran pretty good today.”

Rodriguez seems to be getting closer to a return, and the Yankees could use him. Their offense has done just enough to pick up victories in the last three games, but they could use Rodriguez, who was looked at as a key component to their offensive attack this season.

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While it may not be the best idea to be relying on a 40-year old designated hitter, that is the situation that the Yankees find themselves in. So the sooner that Rodriguez can return to the field the better.

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