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Report: Yankees Interested In Bringing Headley Back Next Season

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Chase Headley didn't exactly light the world on fire with the Yankees following the trade that brought him over from the San Diego Padres.

But that might not matter.

It appears the Bombers are concerned about the idea of Alex Rodriguez playing in the field and may want a backup option, CBSSports.com and WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman reported on Tuesday.

Rodriguez missed all of 2014 after receiving a one-year performance-enhancing drug suspension for his link to the Biogenesis scandal. Prior to that he had two extensive hip surgeries, with the latter costing him most of the 2013 season.

Manager Joe Girardi said recently that the intent was to have Rodriguez be the Yankees' starting third baseman, if he shows that he can still play. However, with A-Rod nearing 40 and having been out of the game for a year, the thinking may now be that it wouldn't hurt to have the sure-gloved Headley around, Heyman reported.

Headley, 30, hit .262 with six home runs and 17 RBIs in 58 games with the Yankees last season, and .243 with 13 homers and 43 RBIs overall. He made just two errors in 51 games at third for the Bombers.

Assuming the Yankees do re-sign Headley, they'd likely choose to slot Rodriguez in exclusively as a designated hitter. The former three-time AL MVP will begin next season with 654 career home runs and 1,969 RBIs.

The Yankees will also have to find a new shortstop, now that future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter has retired.

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