A-Rod Gets First Start At Third Base Since 2013
BALTIMORE (CBSNewYork/AP) — Alex Rodriguez is back at the hot corner for the New York Yankees.
A-Rod was suspended for all last season for violations of baseball's drug program and collective bargaining agreement. Going into Monday night's game against in Baltimore, he played designated hitter in five games and first base against Boston on Saturday.
In New York's 6-5 win over the Orioles, however, Rodriguez was in the starting lineup at third base, where he has played most of his career.
"I'm so focused on baseball," Rodriguez said. "One day I'm at third, one day I'm at first, maybe tomorrow I'm at DH. I have a lot on my plate right now, and I'm having a lot of fun doing it. Tonight was a big win."
The move was designed to provide New York third baseman Chase Headley a break.
"He hasn't had a day and he could use it," manager Joe Girardi said of Headley.
Rodriguez last played third base on Sept. 10, 2013, in Baltimore.
A-Rod went into the game batting .300. He finished at .250 after going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
"So far he has played extremely well," Girardi said of Rodriguez, who went errorless in the field. "And we need that to continue."
The 39-year-old got a vote of support this week from disgraced slugger Barry Bonds. Meanwhile, the Yankees gave another sign that they're preparing to fight Rodriguez's marketing bonuses for ascending the all-time home runs list. With 655 long balls, A-Rod is five behind Willie Mays -- but he's not listed on the team's media handout of upcoming milestones.
"Anyone that supports me at this point, it's well appreciated," Rodriguez said, according to MLB.com. "It's not taken for granted, that's for sure. But my focus continues to stay between the lines."
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