Tuesday, May. 20, 2008

A-Rod to rejoin Yanks tonight

TAMPA, Fla. -- Alex Rodriguez is set to rejoin the slumping New York Yankees tonight after finishing his rehabilitation of a strained right quadriceps.

"I'm excited to get back into Yankee Stadium and playing baseball. It's where I belong," Rodriguez said after going 2 for 6 in an extended spring training game Monday.

Rodriguez, sidelined since April 28, doubled and singled in six at-bats against Philadelphia minor league right-hander Reginal Simon. He also reached on error, struck out and flied out twice, making him 3 for 10 with a homer in two extended spring training games.

New York, last in the AL East at 20-24, has struggled without the three-time AL MVP. The Yankees are hopeful Rodriguez will provide a spark.

Rodriguez fielded three grounders -- including two he had to charge in on -- during five innings at third base.

"I wanted to go left, I wanted to go right defensively. I wanted to come forward on some slow rollers, and I got every one of them," Rodriguez said.

"I'm happy about that. I got a chance to slide a few times, and swing the bat well."

MUNSON ITEMS ON AUCTION BLOCK -- Thurman Munson's World Series rings, MVP trophy and the uniform that the former Yankees catcher wore for his final home game before he died in a 1979 plane crash will be auctioned off in connection with this summer's All-Star game at Yankee Stadium.

"There could not be a more appropriate place to offer the collection to the public then New York City on the occasion of the final All-Star game to be played at Yankee Stadium," Munson's wife, Diana, said. "Thurman so loved that stadium and the fans who shared his many years with the team."

The Munson collection consists of more than 140 items, including a custom-made Mercedes-Benz convertible and a replica World Series trophy made for him after the Yankees' 1978 title.

SHORT HOPS -- Reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy of the Padres could be headed for the disabled list due to soreness in his pitching elbow. ... Braves ace John Smoltz still has inflammation and discomfort in his right shoulder, leaving him unsure when he'll be able to pitch again. ... The a's placed infielder Donnie Murphy on the disabled list with a sore right elbow and recalled left-hander Dallas Braden from Triple-A Sacramento.