A-Rod to Rehab in New York, Not at Spring Training

(AP) A-Rod to rehab in New York, not at spring training

TAMPA, Fla.

Alex Rodriguez will not report to spring training with the Yankees’ position players and will work on his rehabilitation from hip surgery in New York.

The third baseman is expected to be sidelined until at least the All-Star break following the Jan. 16 operation.

The Miami New Times last month published records that allege Rodriguez purchased performance-enhancing substances in recent years from Biogenesis of America LLC, a now-closed clinic in Coral Gables, near Rodriguez’s offseason home.

Rodriguez has denied the allegations. Four years ago, Rodriguez admitted using PEDs from 2001-03 while with the Texas Rangers.

Major League Baseball is investigating the New Times report and hopes to acquire the documents.

New York signed former Boston third baseman Kevin Youkilis to fill in for Rodriguez. Girardi said that when Rodriguez is able to do more, his rehab situation will change.

Yankees captain Derek Jeter is coming back from a more common operation, surgery on Oct. 20 to repair a broken left ankle sustained during the opener of the AL championship series against Detroit. The 38-year-old shortstop expects to be ready for the April 1 opener against Boston.

Closer Mariano Rivera also expects to be ready for opening day. The 43-year-old closer had surgery June 12 to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, an injury that occurred while he was shagging fly balls during batting practice in Kansas City on May 3.

Girardi said no decision has been made about potentially switching Curtis Granderson to center field and Brett Gardner to left.

Speaking in the pavillion behind third base during his news conference,

Overall, Girardi feels good about the defending AL East champions.