Yankees' Betances On A-Rod: 'We Welcome Him With Open Arms'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Yankees reliever Dellin Betances doesn't think A-Rod's return will be a distraction as New York looks to end its belly-to-belly postseason drought.
Betances, speaking at the 35th annual Thurman Munson Awards dinner benefiting AHRC New York City, said he's eager to see what Alex Rodriguez can do after a yearlong suspension from baseball.
"For us, health is the key, obviously," said Betances, who was among the honorees Tuesday night. "I'm looking forward to playing with A-Rod again, somebody that I got to play with a little bit a few years back."
Rodriguez's role on the team has been a topic of debate -- at least in the tabloids. The embattled slugger reportedly has his heart set on winning his old job at third base, but Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has said the hot corner belongs to Chase Headley, re-signed this offseason to a four-year, $52 million deal.
Nearing 40 years old, with two surgically repaired hips and coming off a 162-game suspension related to MLB's Biogenesis-PED scandal, the hope is that A-Rod can serve as a solid full-time DH as the Yankees look to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2012.
"We welcome him with open arms," Betances said. "We just want everybody to contribute the way they can contribute to help us get back to the playoffs. That's the key for us this year."
Some believe the franchise is marginalizing A-Rod, and reports last month said the Yankees could attempt to void a $6 million marketing bonus owed to Rodriguez, still owed a minimum $61 million over the next three years, when he ties Willie Mays with 660 career home runs. He's six shy going into 2015.
Betances said he has no issue "at all" with Rodriguez.
"Not for me," he said. "I can only speak for myself."
Because of the ban, A-Rod didn't get to share the field with Betances during the towering 26-year-old's breakout All-Star season in 2014. But Betances -- who insisted he's not too worried about competing for the closer role left vacant by David Robertson -- is familiar with Rodriguez from his September call-ups and the veteran's rehab stints in Scranton.
"He's a great guy and I'm looking forward to playing with him," Betances said, adding "I'm definitely looking forward to seeing him play and helping us win."
