If the latest report is accurate, we have some clarity on the Alex Rodriguez situation for the first time in weeks.
ESPN’s Andrew Marchand is reporting (via ESPN New York) that the initial hearing has been set in the Rodriguez case, and that the date is September 30th. Non-coincidentally, that date stands as the first day after the regular season ends, but with the Yankees still firmly in the playoff race, it could be a fluid situation on the calendar.
Marchand notes that Rodriguez has the “right to be present” as the hearings begin, and that is the smoking gun for the fact that the hearing could be moved if New York reaches the playoffs. As his 211-game situation looms, Rodriguez has actually performed remarkably well on the field, posting a .275/.368/.441 slash line with 4 home runs in just 117 plate appearances. With that showing, he has been far and away the team’s best option at third base, and it would certainly be in the best interest of the Yankees on-field product to see him available.
More clarity on this situation will likely become available in the next few days, but as long as the Yankees stay in the playoff race, the A-Rod situation won’t move to the back pages.