Brian Cashman: Yankees haven't talked to Alex Rodriguez about PED allegation

The Yankees continue to maintain an air of detachment when it comes to Alex Rodriguez, with general manager Brian Cashman saying Monday night, "I've not spoken to Alex.''

Cashman, speaking before a benefit dinner and auction at the Times Square Hard Rock Cafe, said the Yankees' medical staff has been in touch with Rodriguez about his rehab from Jan. 16 hip surgery. But team brass has not discussed with A-Rod what Cashman called "an ugly story'' about alleged PED use.

"No one from the Yankees has spoken to Alex [about the story],'' Cashman said. "Major League Baseball's got an open investigation, clearly, and they're leading the way on that as they review these very serious allegations to determine what's accurate or inaccurate. But we have, obviously, been in touch with Alex regarding his medical rehabilitation.''

Manager Joe Girardi said he recently spoke to Rodriguez when the 37-year-old worked out at Yankee Stadium. He said he doesn't know if Rodriguez will join the Yankees when position players are due to report to spring training on Feb. 17. (Cashman said he knows but won't say so he can keep the "paparazzi'' away from Rodriguez.)

"We'll just go business as usual,'' Girardi said. "Our job is to get him prepared to help us during the course of the season. Major League Baseball's in charge of everything else. But our job is to get him ready, so wherever we feel the best place is to get him ready -- hopefully he'll help us in the second half -- that's what we have to do.''

MLB is investigating a story that broke last week in the Miami New Times that alleged that Rodriguez purchased performance-enhancing drugs from a South Florida anti-aging clinic from 2009 into last season.

A-Rod has not spoken publicly about the allegations beyond denying them through a spokesman.

On Monday in Tampa, Fla., Derek Jeter said he will wait for Rodriguez to directly address the story himself before commenting.

"Let him speak first,'' Jeter said. "I don't comment on anyone until they speak first. So let him address his situation before I comment on it.''

Asked if he has spoken to the third baseman since last week's bombshell, Jeter wouldn't bite.

"Let him speak first,'' Jeter responded, "and then we'll talk about that.''

At Monday night's dinner, Mariano Rivera echoed Jeter's comments.

"[Rodriguez] will be the person to talk more when the time comes,'' Rivera said. "We're just praying for him and just make sure that he's OK.''

With Erik Boland