A-Rod looks as if he needs a rest
Photo credit: Newsday/John Dunn | New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez (13), strikes out in the first inning Saturday, July 25, 2009, at Yankee Stadium in New York. The A's won 6-4. (John Dunn for Newsday)
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Alex Rodriguez looked pretty well-rested on the Yankee Stadium field after yesterday's 6-4 loss to the Athletics. He was lounging with his daughters during a Family Day picnic - along with his squeeze, Kate Hudson, and her son - but his day at the plate made him seem like a guy in need of a rest.
Which is what Joe Girardi has in mind Sundayfor A-Rod, who went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. Rodriguez is 4-for-22 with no homers and three RBIs in his last six games, and he's whiffed six times in his last three games.
"We're probably going to give him a day off [Sunday],'' Girardi said. "We'll discuss it when he comes in, but I'm leaning toward giving him a complete day [off]."
Perhaps it's a preventive measure, too. A-Rod turns 34 Monday and had a big birthday bash planned for last night in the city, thrown by Hudson, with all his Yankees teammates invited.
Rodriguez is supposed to be on a plan of occasional rest after his March surgery for a torn labrum in his right hip.
"Sometimes the reward of giving a guy a day off, you get seven or eight really productive days rather than having him fatigued," Girardi said.
No news yet on Wang
Dr. James Andrews was supposed to look over Chien-Ming Wang's MRI exam Saturdayand get back to the Yankees with a recommendation.
Girardi said it's likely that Wang, who sought a second opinion on his ailing right shoulder from Mets team physician David Altchek on Wednesday, will go to Birmingham and be examined by Andrews in person next week.
No real rest for regulars
Jorge Posada and Johnny Damon didn't start Saturdayand Derek Jeter began the day as the designated hitter. But none of the three got a full rest, with Jeter shifted to shortstop in the eighth and Posada coming on to pinch hit in the eighth and then catch the ninth. Posada singled in the eighth and hit into a double play in the ninth. Damon pinch hit in the ninth and drew a walk.
