What's the deal with A-Rod?

As far as Joe Girardi was concerned, today was just a normal off day for his third baseman. Prior to today's 12-3 win over Chicago, Girardi had this to say to the media:

"I just felt like he needed a day," Girardi said. "He's played every game and I just feel that he needs a day physically. We've been going at it pretty hard and traveling a lot. You never want to take Alex out of the lineup, but sometimes you need a day. It's not physical."

However, that's not the same story we're hearing from Brian Cashman. Here's some of an ESPN New York article from today:

Alex Rodriguez was scratched from Sunday's Yankees-White Sox game with a "muscle-related" injury to his right leg. According to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, the third baseman -- who underwent hip surgery in March 2009 and missed the first 28 games of that season -- "felt a little something on the basepaths" in the ninth inning of Saturday's 7-6 loss to the Chicago.

...

"It's not specifically in the knee," Cashman said. "My understanding is that it's more muscle related."

After the game, Girardi was a bit more honest:

"He's not hurt, he's just a little stiff," Girardi said, acknowledging that A-Rod had informed him of some degree of discomfort while running the bases Saturday. "That doesn't mean he's injured. He'll be back in there [Monday]."

Not being upfront with player's injuries was one of Joe Girardi's problems in his first year as Yankees manager and it led to some distrust between he and the media. Hopefully, this isn't a sign that he's getting back into that habit.

This injury would also explain why Ramiro Pena pinch-ran for A-Rod in the ninth inning of Saturday's game. I guess we'll find out more tomorrow, but let's hope this is nothing serious.