Alex Rodriguez Starts Defensive Drills, Hitting in a Cage

Alex Rodriguez has taken the next step in his rehab from hip surgery but when he’ll return to the Yankees lineup remains a question. (Image Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)

Nearly forgotten about amid the growing collection of players on the disabled list for the New York Yankees, third baseman Alex Rodriguez has reportedly started to ramp up his rehab activities as he continues to work out at the team’s Extended Spring Training facility in Tampa. Rodriguez still is not expected to return to the Yankees lineup until after the All Star Break, at the absolute earliest.

Rodriguez is in his third week of activities in Tampa. An Associated Press report (via ESPN.com) relayed that he fielded grounders for awhile early Monday, the first time he’s done any defensive drills, before stepping into the indoor batting cages. He’d take about 25 swings.

Sidelined following hip surgery that at one point was feared to be career-threatening, Rodriguez has quietly remained out of sight and out of mind for the Yankees for much of the season. Given the public image concerns that became evident this Spring, as well as the persistent rumblings that the organization was searching for a way to get out of the remainder of his contract, it’s no surprise that Rodriguez has remained relatively under the radar since undergoing surgery. The less of a distraction he can be, the better, until he’s ready to return to the active roster and contribute.