TAMPA — Alex Rodriguez has a long way to go to rebuild his reputation both on and off the field, and though he again declined to address his situation yesterday, he at least made some baseball-related progress.
The third baseman, who has stayed largely silent on the Biogensis suspension report other than a statement from his new PR firm Thursday, drove by reporters without speaking after he worked out at the Yankees’ minor league complex.
Before that, he spent about 50 minutes on the field, taking batting practice and running. For the first time since his offseason hip surgery, Rodriguez ran the arc around on the outfield grass outside the bases, bringing him a step closer to actually running the bases.
His 25-minute outdoor batting practice looked considerably better than the one he had Wednesday. Yesterday, he took roughly 55 swings and hit 12 over the fence — including his final swing of the day, which elicited an excited response from the slugger after the ball careened into a dumpster well behind the left-center field fence.
But with MLB’s investigation into potential ties between players — including Rodriguez — and the former owner of the Biogenesis clinic in Miami, Anthony Bosch, that could result in 100-game bans, there is no guarantee Rodriguez will be with the Yankees anytime soon.
* Michael Pineda said he’s ready to begin his rehab stint for Class-A Tampa tonight in Lakeland, which will start a 30-day clock that could land him back in The Bronx.
“I’m feeling ready to go,” Pineda said at the complex yesterday. “I’ve pitched a couple of games here in extended spring [training], but I want to see better hitters.”
General manager Brian Cashman said last week the right-hander was hitting 94 mph on the radar gun, but typically throwing 92-93 mph, which doesn’t match the 98 mph he used to hit when he came up with the Mariners and before last season’s right shoulder surgery.
When asked if he thought he could succeed with the reduced velocity, Pineda said: “Everything is coming.”
He expects to throw about 65 pitches and the organization typically likes pitchers to be able to reach at least 90 pitches before they get to the majors.
If Pineda impresses enough over his next few rehab starts, he finally could make his debut with the Yankees following what was thought to be a blockbuster trade with Seattle for Jesus Montero. Thus far, the deal has resulted in nothing but disappointment with Pineda being injured and Montero recently sent to the minors by Seattle.
* Derek Jeter (ankle) was back at the complex and played catch, still awaiting clearance to begin running.
