A. Rodriguez's return set

Third baseman to rejoin Yankees for start of series vs. Orioles

May 20, 2008

Alex Rodriguez is set to rejoin the slumping New York Yankees tonight for the team's series opener against the Orioles 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 yesterday in Tampa, Fla.

Rodriguez, sidelined since April 28, doubled and singled in six at-bats against Philadelphia Phillies 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, in last place in the American League East at 20-24, has struggled without the three-time AL Most Valuable Player. The Yankees hope he will provide a spark.

"We'll see," Rodriguez said. "No predictions."

• Padres // Reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy could be headed for the disabled list because of soreness in his pitching elbow. The San Diego ace, who felt discomfort in his right elbow the past three or four starts, had a magnetic resonance imaging yesterday. Manager Bud Black said he and general manager Kevin Towers planned to meet with Peavy (4-3, 2.91 ERA).

• Braves // Right-hander John Smoltz, 41, still has inflammation and discomfort in his right shoulder, leaving him unsure when he'll be able to pitch again. Smoltz has been on the DL since April 29. He hopes to learn more after throwing on the side today. Smoltz, 3-2 with a 2.00 ERA in five starts, plans to return as the closer, the role he held when he recorded 154 saves from 2001 to 2004.

• Mets // Pedro Martinez threw 4 1/3 innings of a simulated game in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and the team plans to have him throw a bullpen session tomorrow or Thursday in Atlanta. Martinez has been out since straining his left hamstring April 1. ... Infielder Abraham Nunez agreed to a minor league contract with New York and was assigned to Triple-A New Orleans.

• Marlins // Outfielder Jacque Jones, cut by Detroit two weeks ago, reached a minor league deal with Florida and is expected to soon become the team's starting center fielder.

• Nationals // Washington placed infielder Ronnie Belliard on the 15-day DL, retroactive to Friday, and plans to recall right-handed pitcher Chris Schroder from Triple-A Columbus today. Belliard has been bothered by a strained left calf.

• Et cetera // The Royals reinstated catcher John Buck from the bereavement list and optioned catcher Matt Tupman to Triple-A Omaha. Buck had been with his wife, who had complications in her pregnancy. ... Outfielder Jeremy Reed was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma by the Mariners. ... The Athletics put infielder Donnie Murphy (right elbow) on the DL and recalled left-hander Dallas Braden from Triple-A Sacramento. ... The Indians claimed right-hander Oneli Perez off waivers from the White Sox.