Alex Rodriguez joined the New York Yankees Monday in their opening day game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, according to MLB.com.
It was Rodriguez's first appearance in uniform since the Yankee's got swept by the Tigers in the American League Championship Series in October.
Rodriguez is in the stages of making a return to action after having surgery on his left hip. Even though he was with his team to support them in their first game, rooting from the dugout might be all is he able to do for a while.
"We're in the very beginning -- I would say Stage 1 -- in this recovery," Rodriguez said. "The recovery is going very well. I've been devoting 100 percent of my time and my focus into getting back and playing and helping this team win a title."
Rodriguez's injury is not the only reason he's been in the news leading up to Opening Day. His name was mentioned in a performance enhancing drug investigation into a biogenesis clinic in Coral Gables Florida. Rodriguez calmly declined discussing the subject.
"I'm not going to comment on that," he said. "I know you've got to ask that question. We put out a statement, and we definitely stand by that."
In the offseason fans and talk show hosts discussed what the Yankees organization should do if Rodriguez was involved with taking PED's. He'd already admitted to the incident once and many believed he had ceased to take banned substances. Actions that fans and analysts suggested included cutting the possible Hall of Fame third baseman and trying to void his contract.
The Yankees are prospected to do worse than last year's first place finish in the American League East. Their drop in payroll, and playing without stars Derek Jeter and Rodriguez has analyst projecting them to struggle in the AL East. However Rodriguez says the doubters are wrong.
"I think this year is a very special opportunity," he said. "This is my 10th year here in New York, and it's the first time we're being predicted to finish in last place.
Rodriguez is not expected to return until after the all-star break In July.
The Yankees lost their Opening Day game to the Red Sox, 8-2.
