KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Alex Rodriguez played first base for the first time in his professional career Sunday, handling three chances in three innings during the New York Yankees’ 7-0 victory over the Houston Astros.
The 39-year-old Rodriguez, who lost his third base job to Chase Headley during a season-long drug suspension, caught Headley’s throw following Jose Altuve’s grounder leading off the bottom of the first.
He bobbled Evan Gattis’ second-inning grounder to his right, recovered and threw to pitcher Nathan Eovaldi at first for the out, then caught second baseman Stephen Drew’s throw on Colby Rasmus’ two-out grounder.
Rodriguez has played 1,272 games at shortstop and 1,189 at third in his big league career.
Rodriguez walked in the first against Scott Feldman and singled leading off the fourth. Expected to be primarily a designated hitter, Rodriguez is hitting .324, 12-for-37, with seven walks, three home runs and four RBI.
Headley had a home run and three hits.
Eovaldi, the Yankees’ fourth starter, allowed three hits in 4 2/3 innings, struck out five and walked none. Feldman allowed three runs and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings.
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