TAMPA, Fla. — Alex Rodriguez remains on target to rejoin the New York Yankees on Tuesday.
The third baseman, out since April 28 with a strained right quadriceps, hit a grand slam to center field during his 15 at-bats in a simulated game Sunday.
Rodriguez is scheduled to play in an extended spring training game today against Philadelphia minor leaguers before returning to New York.
“It’s the best I’ve felt since the injury,” he said.
Rodriguez faced four different Yankees minor league pitchers, getting credit for five hits in his 15 at-bats.
He also had a sacrifice fly and walked five times.
“It’s invaluable to get those at-bats,” Rodriguez said. “You can’t duplicate it anywhere else.”
In the simulated game format, there were no fielders — just the pitcher, catcher and Rodriguez, who hit seven hard liners.
Rodriguez went though an intensive workout at third, fielding 54 grounders in a variety of situations. He also ran in the outfield and took batting practice in an indoor cage.
“I’m excited,” Rodriguez said. “I want to get back into the lineup and help my team.”
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