- Here's an update on Alex Rodriguez via Chad Jennings:
He and the Yankees are eying a Sunday return.Rodriguez did tee and toss work this morning. He took 37 ground balls at third base — why 37, I have no idea — and turned a few double plays. During full batting practice on the field, he ran to first base and guessed he was running at about 70 percent.
Tomorrow will be a far more significant test as he’ll go head-to-head against Andy Pettitte. Rodriguez will wear regular metal spikes — he wore turf shoes today — and said he’s going to “push much harder” through all of his drills, which will include going first to third and second to home. He also wants to do some bunt drills at third base.
- Nick Swisher is still listed as day-to-day, but he could have pinch-hit today if they needed him to. However, he still doesn't want to start until he can move at or near 100%.
“I want to be able to run full speed,” he said. “Even if I can get it up there to 80 or 90 (percent), I’ll be happy with that.”He could be back as soon as tomorrow.
- Damaso Marte was moved to the 60-day DL earlier this week to make room for Chad Moeller on the 40-man roster. He's been on the shelf since July 7, so he'll could come off the DL soon, but that isn't going to happen. He's likely done for the year.
- And like I mentioned yesterday, Alfredo Aceves suffered a setback and had to be scratched from his latest Minor League rehab start. Like Marte, it looks like a return is unlikely.
