New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has suffered a Grade 1 strain quadriceps strain in his left leg, according to ESPNNewYork.com. Rodriguez will not return to major league action on Monday as previously expected.
The 37-year old Yankee has not played a game in the big leagues this season due to an offseason hip surgery. He played Saturday with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in what was supposed to be his last game before rejoining the Bronx Bombers.
"I am extremely disappointed with the results of the MRI and hoping to be back as soon as possible and continue with my goal of coming back and helping the Yankees win a championship," said Rodriguez through a statement.
After Saturday’s game the Yankees third baseman returned to New York where he received an MRI and an examination from Dr. Christopher Ahmad, the Yankees team doctor.
According to a source, Rodriguez will most likely be out for more than a week and miss the team’s series against the Tampa Bay Rays which begins on July 29.
"He is going to be out for awhile so we'll just deal with it and continue to play," Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who added he doesn’t know the exact date of Rodriguez’s return.
Rodriguez is also in the midst of the Biogenesis controversy. However, there’s a good chance it won’t affect him this season.
Currently, there is no specific date on which the suspensions would be delivered. If they were handed down, Rodriguez could appeal the suspension to stay on the field this season. Finally, if the suspensions stand, Players Association executive director Michael Weiner has said they would not be served until 2014.
The Yankees will have to petition Major League Baseball, under the terms of collective bargaining agreement, to have the former Texas Ranger go on another rehab assignment.
Rodriguez had believed the MRI would not find anything serious.
"I spoke to [Yankees GM Brian] Cashman, Girardi and the plan is pretty much as scheduled as 20 days ago with one exception: get an MRI, get on a flight to Texas, probably get a workout tomorrow and strap it on Tuesday," Rodriguez said before leaving Scranton. "I do feel confident, between the MRI and having whole staff sign off, and we'll play Tuesday. I think that's all we can do.”
In addition to Rodriguez, the Yankees are currently without third baseman Kevin Youkilis, left fielder Curtis Granderson, first baseman Mark Texiera and their captain Derek Jeter.
Rodriguez will turn 38 on Saturday.
