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New York Yankees expect Alex Rodriguez to play 3B in 2015

By Ed Carroll

Sep 18, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays fans hold up asterisk signs as New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) comes off the field after flying out in the ninth inning at the Rogers Centre. New York defeated Toronto 4-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays fans hold up asterisk signs as New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) comes off the field after flying out in the ninth inning at the Rogers Centre. New York defeated Toronto 4-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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While New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi admitted the team will need to see where Alex Rodriguez is physically after being suspended for all of 2014 for performance enhancing drug use, he said the team expects Rodriguez to be a player on the team and play third base in 2015.

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During Girardi’s end-of-the-year phone conference, he said he has been in contact with Rodriguez all year via text messages and Rodriguez will be removed from the restricted list after the World Series ends. The Yankee slugger missed all of 2014 after being suspended for his involvement with the Biogenesis drug clinic scandal, and most of 2013 following hip surgery. A-Rod will turn 40 during the 2015 season.

Giradi also said the team hasn’t discussed using Rodriguez at first base to back up Mark Teixeira, who battled a wrist injury this season, and all signs seem to point to the Yankees hoping Rodriguez can handle the third base load for the Bronx Bombers. New York’s primary third baseman in the second half this season was midseason acquisition Chase Headley, who will be a free agent this winter, and the Yankees don’t have many better options at the hot corner other than Rodriguez.

If Rodriguez hits six more home runs (for 660 in his career, tying him with Willie Mays all time), he triggers a $6 million bonus, but he’s owed $61 million across the next three years regardless of performance.

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