The New York Yankees face the Chicago White Sox on Monday. Hours after the MLB's announcement of Alex Rodriguez's suspension, the slugger is still expected to play Monday night. The game starts at 8:10 p.m. ET. Watch the live stream HERE.
Rodriguez is slated on Monday to make his long-awaited return from offseason hip surgery. Hours ahead of the game, the MLB announced Rodriguez's 211-game suspension resulting from the league's investigation of Biogenesis. The suspension, if not appealed, becomes effective Thursday.
With the 38-year-old expected to fight the punishment, Monday's game becomes possibly one of the last times fans will see Rodriguez for a long time. Although there'll be a circus-like atmosphere on Monday, Yankees manager Joe Girardi doesn't expect Rodriguez's return to the lineup to be a problem for the club.
"I don't suspect it'll be awkward (if Rodriguez is back). Most of these guys know him as a teammate and have laughed a lot with Alex and been around Alex a lot," Girardi told Associated Press reporters prior to Rodriguez's suspension. "I think it'll be business as usual. I'm sure there will be more media there, obviously ... but I think that's probably more for Alex to deal with than the rest of the guys. I don't think it'll be a big deal."
While the spotlight shines on Rodriguez, Yankees slugger Derek Jeter continues to struggle with injuries. Jeter will miss Monday's game because of a mild strain in his right calf.
"It's frustrating," Jeter told reporters on Sunday. "It's terrible. The while season has been a nightmare."
Andy Pettitte (7-8, 4.28 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound for New York, according to the Associated Press. His last three starts, all on the road, have resulted in losses for the Yankees. In 13 starts at U.S. Cellular Field, Pettitte is 3-7 with a 6.01 ERA.
Jose Quintana (5-3, 3.62) will start for the White Sox.
