Manfred, A- Rod set for unlikely photo op

On Thursday afternoon, a short throw from Yankee Stadium, Major League Baseball is scheduled to hold an event that is part of the Office of the Commissioner’s youth initiative push.

It is going to unite unlikely allies: Commissioner Rob Manfred and Alex Rodriguez.

A group of Marlins and Yankees players such as Dee Gordon, Giancarlo Stanton and Dellin Betances have been invited to participate. So has Rodriguez, The Post has learned.

It means a photo op that would have been inconceivable even six months ago is likely. After all, Manfred— in his previous position as top lieutenant to Bud Selig— was the main prosecutor in the case that led to Rodriguez’s banishment from the game for all of the 2014 season.

The animus between Manfred and Rodriguez was intense at that time, with Manfred stating he believed Rodriguez’s use of illegal performance enhancers was longer and more pervasive than anyone else in the sport. Rodriguez’s camp slammed Manfred for singling out Rodriguez for undue punishment and, at one juncture, sued MLB. The lawsuit was eventually withdrawn.

The beginning of a thaw began when A-Rod met in January with the incoming commissioner. Rodriguez came unaccompanied by counsel and told Manfred he wanted to reenter the sport properly.

Manfred has said repeatedly since becoming commissioner that the slugger served his time and is now back in good standing within the game. But Thursday’s event is a step further. It suggests Rodriguez’s good behavior this season is paying off and his star power still matters.

Lifting youth participation in baseball, particularly among minorities, is a significant part of Manfred’s agenda. It also has meaning to Rodriguez, whose name appears on the University of Miami baseball stadium he financed.

Thursday’s event will take place at Heritage Field, across the street from the current Yankee Stadium.