Call to the pen
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New York Yankees: Alex Rodriguez Headed to DL

By Nick Fustor

Apr 30, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) watches from the dugout during the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The Boston Red Sox won 8-0. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) watches from the dugout during the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The Boston Red Sox won 8-0. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Yankees frustrating season has gotten worse as Alex Rodriguez has been placed on the disabled list.

In the midst of a trying season for the New York Yankees, the team sent a struggling Alex Rodriguez to the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring, as reported by Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.  The 40-year-old suffered the injury while running out a ground-out in the fifth inning of the Yankees game against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday.

Rodriguez was frustrated by the timing of the injury, as the team had lost six straight games, per Hoch.

"“I can’t think of a worse time to go on the DL.  Our offense has been struggling, and I take a lot of pride and responsibility in making sure that our offense overall plays well, hitting through the order,” Rodriguez said."

In 20 games this season, Rodriguez had struggled to make consistent contact and get on base.  He currently owns a meager .194/.250/.444 slash line, but he does have five home runs and 12 RBI.  His walk rate has been down this season, too, as it’s gone from 13.5 percent last season to 8.8 percent in 2016.

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While Rodriguez is out, outfielder Carlos Beltran will slide to the everyday DH role while Aaron Hicks, who has shown off with his arm strength recently, will most likely get the majority of reps in right field.

Rather interestingly, New York decided to call up left-hander James Pazos from Triple-A to take Rodriguez’ roster spot.  The 25-year-old has a 3.00 ERA in nine relief appearances, and will add depth to a Yankees bullpen desperate for arms.

However, with the struggles the Yankees have faced over the past several weeks, it’s somewhat surprising that the team didn’t call up a hitter to provide some sort of spark to the lineup.  Top prospect Aaron Judge would have made the most sense, as he’s hitting a solid .286/.333/.480 with four home runs and 14 RBI.  But since A-Rod’s injury is not expected to keep him out for an extended period of time, it makes sense that the team wouldn’t throw Judge into the fire just to send him down in two weeks.

Still, the team also has veteran Nick Swisher stashed away in Triple-A who, despite his struggles in the majors the past two seasons, is hitting over .300.  The 35-year-old could have filled multiple roles for the Yankees, as he can play the outfield and first base.

Per Hoch, manager Joe Girardi expressed faith in the current lineup.

"“We believe in this group. This group has a track record.  It’s just been a struggle. We believe in them,” Girardi said.  “I’m not saying this is going to be 13 pitchers the whole time, but it’s what we decided to do.”"

Next: Dodgers' Joc Pederson Off to Hot Start

Whatever happens with the lineup, the Yankees will need to get things going soon if they hope to escape the depths of the American League East and return to contention.

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