Alex Rodriguez. (Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports)
DETROIT — Alex Rodriguez is still getting used to playing the game without taking the field.
Rodriguez served as the designated hitter for the 12th time this season against Detroit on Wednesday. He has only started twice in the field, with one game at first base and the other at his usual spot since joining the New York Yankees in 2004, third base.
“It’s certainly going to be a mental adjustment,” Rodriguez said. “I played for 20 years on the field and I’ve been very active on the field, playing two very demanding positions, short and third. But I think over the long haul, it can provide dividends for me. I can stay fresher and hopefully it will help my production, too.”
The early returns with Rodriguez at DH have been promising. Though he admits he’s still tinkering with how to handle his time in-between at-bats, he’s hit four home runs with 11 RBIs. His batting average stands at .265 after he went 1-for-4 with two walks in Wednesday’s 13-4 win over Detroit.
The season-long PED suspension that forced him out of action last season did him a favor physically. He endured two hip surgeries in recent years and never fully recovered until the long layoff.
“For me, it was kind of a blessing in disguise,” he said. “I had an opportunity to heal my hips, heal my body. It’s the first time I’ve had a chance to train and not rehab in over five years. Hopefully that pays dividends, but I feel healthy and it feels good.”
Rodriguez brushed aside questions about the latest milestone he’s approaching. He still needs two homers to reach 660 for his career and tie Willie Mays on the all-time list. He hasn’t hit a home run since blasting two against Tampa Bay on Friday.
Unless he hits a pair against the Tigers on Thursday, he could achieve the feat against the team’s crosstown rival. The Yankees host the Mets this weekend.
“We have a tough schedule early on,” he said. “Detroit has been kind of the gold standard now for a little while. We’re getting a good look at them and they’re as good as advertised. They do so many things well, and then we have another team we’re going to be facing that’s sizzling hot.”
