Two star third basemen – Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees and Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays – are recovering from injuries, although the prospects are better for one than the other.
Rodriguez is keeping a low profile since it was revealed last week that Major League Baseball is investigating his links to a South Florida anti-aging clinic run by Anthony Bosch. But Rodriguez is rehabilitating his surgery-repaired left hip in New York and Miami, a source told the New York Daily News.
The Yankees are not sure if Rodriguez will join the team for spring training in Tampa. Pitchers and catchers report Feb. 11 and position players on Feb. 15. Rodriguez could miss the entire season.
Things look more promising for Longoria. The Tampa Bay Times reported Longoria is fully recovered from a November cleanup surgery on his troublesome left hamstring and expects to be participate in spring camp.
—Right-hander Kevin Millwood told a North Carolina newspaper that he is retiring after a 16-year major league career.
Millwood, 38, made the announcement during a function at his high school in Bessemer City.
. Last season, he went 6-12 with a 4.25 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with the Seattle Mariners.
— The New York Mets are close to finalizing a deal with free agent pitcher Brandon Lyon, CBSSports.com reported.
Lyon posted a 3.10 ERA in 67 relief appearances last season between the Astros and Blue Jays.