Alex Rodriguez's meeting with MLB kept under wraps

Alex Rodriguez was scheduled to meet with Major League Baseball officials Friday morning in Tampa as MLB continues its investigation into Biogenesis, a source confirmed to Newsday.

The Associated Press reported that a source confirmed the meeting took place. Neither Rodriguez's representatives nor MLB released any information on the meeting. Rodriguez's scheduled start with the Yankees' Class A affiliate in Tampa was rained out Friday night, and he exited Steinbrenner Field without speaking to reporters.

Rodriguez will have been the second high-profile player to be interviewed by MLB regarding Biogenesis, the now-shuttered anti-aging clinic in Miami linked to the alleged distribution of performance-enhancing drugs to Rodriguez and numerous other players.

Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun reportedly refused to detail his connection to Biogenesis or its founder, Anthony Bosch, when questioned by MLB on June 29.

Though MLB has provided no timetable, the meetings with Rodriguez and Braun are believed to signal the near completion of player interviews and MLB now appears headed toward the final phase of its investigation. The next step could be the announcement of suspensions.

Any player suspended has the right to file an appeal, which, according to the joint drug agreement, must be heard no later than 10 days after the suspension is issued.

The appeal would be heard by arbitrator Frederic Horowitz, who must render a decision within 25 days. The arbitrator could uphold, overrule or reduce the suspension.

Braun was the subject of a 2011 MLB investigation and was suspended 50 games for elevated testosterone levels. The suspension was overturned on appeal when arbitrator Shyam Das ruled on the procedure behind the test.

The immediate future of Rodriguez, who has had consecutive rehab games rained out, is unclear. With more inclement weather expected in Florida, Tampa Yankees general manager Vance Smith said the club will re-evaluate Saturday morning where he'll continue his rehab from hip surgery.

In six total minor-league games since returning to live action -- in Charleston, S.C., and Tampa -- Rodriguez is 2-for-15 (.133) with one RBI.

Bosch is reportedly cooperating with MLB with the expectation of his name being dropped from MLB's lawsuit seeking unspecified financial damages from Bosch and three other defendants with alleged ties to Biogenesis.

With Joey Knight