MINNEAPOLIS — Alex Rodriguez’s three-homer game Saturday against the Minnesota Twins showed that the Yankees slugger can still hit, even at his advanced age. Yet as his 40th birthday approaches, New York manager Joe Girardi still has to make sure to keep Rodriguez fresh.
That’s why Rodriguez was not in the Yankees’ lineup for Sunday’s series finale at Target Field. It was simply a day off for Rodriguez, who turns 40 on Monday. Girardi said it wasn’t hard to keep Rodriguez out of the lineup one day after his three homers helped New York rally for an 8-5 win.
“I could either do it here or in Texas, and I know we’re at least going to see two left-handers in Texas, and maybe three, so I chose to do it here,” Girardi said Sunday.
Rodriguez has started 85 games this season, almost all of which have come as the Yankees’ designated hitter. He’s played third base in just three games and once at first base.
Girardi believes having Rodriguez DH on a regular basis preserves some of the wear and tear on his nearly 40-year-old body.
“I think he works hard. I see him in the weight room (Saturday) night after the game working hard,” Girardi said. “And I think just DHing him has really lessened the toll on his body, the time that he’s on his feet. It may not seem much, but it is when you’re standing out in the hot sun and you’re on your legs a lot. They tire a lot quicker. I think the DH has been a real positive experience for him and us.”
Rodriguez also noted that the DH role has given him the opportunity to review more film of opposing pitchers during games, since he doesn’t have to worry about playing on defense when he’s not hitting.
“I think it’s allowed me to prepare a little bit differently,” Rodriguez said. “I have more time to get my game plan in order.”
All three home runs Rodriguez hit Saturday traveled at least 420 feet, with the longest going 480 feet to the third deck in left field. Rodriguez joked after that game that there were times in his 20s he couldn’t hit the ball as far as he did as a 39-year-old.
“There were some days in my 20s I couldn’t do it. It’s nice to do it now,” Rodriguez said. “I’m working hard. I’m healthy. I’m happy. I’m appreciating everything the game has to offer.”
Rodriguez came a few days shy of becoming just the fifth player in major league history since 1914 to hit three home runs in a game after turning 40. The others were Jason Giambi, Reggie Jackson, Stan Musial and Babe Ruth.
That would have been some pretty good company.
“Some people say life starts at 40,” Rodriguez said. “I’ll sign up for that right now.”