CHICAGO (AP) - Alex Rodriguez’s publicist says the Yankees’ third baseman is looking forward to cooperating with Major League Baseball in its investigation of his alleged involvement in illegal poker games.
The All-Star slugger sidestepped the issue, however, at the team’s minor league training facility in Florida on Thursday, saying he had no comment following his first on-field activities since having right knee surgery July 14.
Star Magazine reported last month that several people saw A-Rod playing in games hosted at Hollywood hotels and residences.
But Richard Rubenstein, Rodriguez’s publicist, said in a statement Thursday morning that the Star’s story contains “numerous factual inaccuracies.”
The 36-year-old Rodriguez arrived at the Yankees’ minor league complex in Tampa just before noon, pulling up in his Mercedes and waving to a group of 25 or so fans before entering the building.
He took the field for about 33 minutes, doing light running, playing catch, taking grounders and hitting in the batting cage off a tee and against a soft toss. He wore a light brace on the knee and showed no signs of difficulty moving. Rodriguez then went inside to ice the knee and run in the pool.
“I had an encouraging day today,” said Rodriguez, who signed autographs before talking to the media outside the complex. “I will have a better idea of a timetable in four or five days. The most important thing is to go back healthy.”
Please read our comment policy before commenting.