A-Rod opens new chapter as instructor
Former superstar begins work with Yankees prospects.
Alex Rodriguez is back on the field for the New York Yankees in his new role as an instructor.
A-Rod arrived Friday at the Yankees’ minor league complex in Tampa to work with prospects taking part in the instructional league.
Rodriguez, wearing white pinstripe pants and a dark blue Yankees T-shirt, talked with Clint Frazier, Blake Rutherford and Jorge Mateo after early hitting drills on Derek Jeter Field. He also spent time talking with coaches and players during regular batting practice.
Rodriguez wore a No. 13 uniform while in the dugout during Friday’s game against Toronto.
“It still fits. That’s a good thing,” Rodriguez said with a smile. “It feels great to be back in pinstripes.”
Rodriguez, 41, is scheduled to meet with the players in the clubhouse before today’s game with Baltimore.
He played his final game with New York on Aug. 12. He signed a contract to work with minor leaguers in the farm system through 2017.
“We owe the game,” Rodriguez said. “In many ways it’s our responsibility and privilege to pay it forward.”
Nationals: Before a rain delay, Bryce Harper was back in the starting lineup Friday night against Miami after the outfielder sat out the previous four days with a left thumb injury.
Reds: Last-place Cincinnati will bring back manager Bryan Price next season. Price and the Reds agreed to a one-year contract with a team option. The entire coaching staff also has been offered contracts for 2017.
Giants: Infielder Eduardo Nunez is making slight progress from a mild hamstring strain but could still miss the wild-card round of the playoffs if San Francisco makes it that far.
Cardinals: St. Louis activated Matt Holliday (broken left thumb) from the disabled list Friday, and the veteran outfielder could make his final appearance with the team this weekend. The Cardinals are not planning to pick up their $17 million option on his contract for 2017.
Yankees: Right-hander Masahiro Tanaka (forearm) threw a bullpen session and said he could start today against Baltimore.
Cubs: General manager Jed Hoyer and scouting and player development director Jason McLeod agreed to contract extensions through the 2021 season.
White Sox: Ace Chris Sale (17-9) asked to start Sunday’s season finale against Minnesota. The start will give him a chance to set a career high for victories. Sale was 17-8 in 2012.
Padres: Broadcaster Dick Enberg was honored Thursday before his final home game as the team’s TV voice. Enberg was presented with a microphone mounted on a base and gave a brief speech he ended with his signature “Oh my!” At a reception earlier in the day, Enberg was given a surfboard featuring his picture and his “Oh my!” saying. The Padres unveiled a plaque naming one of the broadcast booths after Enberg. At 81, he’s retiring from his five decades as one of the most recognizable sports broadcasters in history.
P h i l l i e s : L e f t f i e l d e r Roman Quinn, who left Tuesday’s game against the Braves with a strained oblique, is likely to miss the final three games.
R o y a l s : K a n s a s C i t y entered Friday needing one victory to clinch a winning record for the fourth straight year. The last time the Royals accomplished that was 1975-1980, six straight winning seasons.