A-Rod to play in minor league game tomorrow

[Morrissey]

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/

UPDATE, 5:21 p.m.: A-Rod will play in a minor-league intrasquad game tomorrow.

[Morrissey]

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/

UPDATE, 5:21 p.m.:

There is what they call a “camp day” at extended spring training. It amounts to an intrasquad game. Alex will get at least four or five at-bats and because it’s a controlled environment, he can decide whether he wants to run.

He’ll DH at first and then start playing third. Joe Girardi all but said today that he would be back before May 15.

Put it this way, he’s starting games on April 30. He’s not going to need 15 day to get ready.

[Morrissey]

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/

UPDATE, 5:55 p.m.: This from the AP on A-Rod:

Dr. Marc Philippon, A-Rod’s surgeon, 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 leaguer 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.

Philippon said after watching Wednesday’s session that “it’s crystal clear” that Rodriguez will be strong when he returns to the Yankees.