Retire Alex Rodriguez's 13? Not that far-fetched
New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez returns to the dugout after he grounds out against the Oakland Athletics during the third inning of a baseball game at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, July 7, 2015. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Will the Yankees eventually retire Alex Rodriguez's No. 13?
It no longer seems to be a far-fetched notion with a feel-good vibe between Rodriguez and the Yankees, as evidenced by their plan to honor him next month for reaching 3,000 hits this season.
The team will salute two more members of the Core Four this weekend with catcher Jorge Posada's No. 20 and lefthanded pitcher Andy Pettitte's No. 46 being retired Saturday and Sunday respectively. With Mariano Rivera's No. 42 already retired, only Derek Jeter's No. 2 remains to complete the Core. The Yankees have not said when Jeter's number will be retired.
Rodriguez has two more years on his Yankees contract. The decision regarding the retiring of a number is not broached until a player is officially retired, a source said.
Rodriguez's alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs would not seem to be an automatic disqualifier from Monument Park. In 2007, Pettitte admitted using human growth hormone in 2002 when he was recovering from an elbow injury. Pettitte is the Yankees' leader in strikeouts with 2,020. His career record is 256-153.
Posada spent his entire 17-year career with the Yankees and played on five World Series championship teams. His 119 postseason games is the most for a catcher.
Another Pineda start
Michael Pineda, on the disabled list with a flexor strain in his right forearm, will pitch Friday, Joe Girardi said. Girardi didn't confirm where, but Triple A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre announced on its Twitter feed Wednesday that Pineda would pitch Friday night. Pineda last pitched for Trenton on Sunday, allowing two runs and four hits in three innings.
Pitcher Bryan Mitchell, who is on the seven-day concussion disabled list, could return in a week if he passes the protocols, Girardi said.
Teixeira isn't close
Mark Teixeira does not appear close to returning to the lineup after missing the last two games with a bone bruise near his right knee. The injury occurred when he fouled a pitch off the area in Monday night's game against the Twins.
"Just still really sore," Girardi. "Just continue to do treatment, try to get him back as soon as we can."
