Alex Rodriguez, who looked to be set for a return to the New York Yankees on Monday, has suffered a grade 1 quadriceps strain that will delay his move to the Major League.
“I am extremely disappointed with the results of the MRI and hoping to be back as soon as possible and continue with my goal of coming back and helping the Yankees win a championship,” Rodriguez said in a statement released through his public relations firm.
Rodriguez played Saturday for Scranton as the designated hitter, but had complained of pain before the game. Sunday, he did not play, and the Yankees sent him back to New York for an MRI and examination from the team physician, Dr. Christopher Ahmad, who diagnosed the injury. A grade 1 strain is considered the mildest level.
Sunday was the final day of Rodriguez’s 20-day rehab assignment. Since he is not being reinstated to the major league roster, the club would have to petition MLB for him to participate in a new minor league assignment under terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
Rodriguez, who turns 38 this week, will now return to the team’s training complex in Tampa, Fla., for rest and treatment, the Yankees announced. He remains on the disabled list, and there is no timetable for his return.
Also looming for A-Rod is a potential suspension from the Biogenesis scandal. There is no set date when that will be announced, though it is expected at some point in the second half of the season.
Even if he is suspended, Rodriguez can appeal, keeping himself eligible to play this season. Players Association executive director Michael Weiner has said that player grievance cases likely won’t be resolved quickly and, if suspensions hold up, they could be served in 2014.
