ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is scheduled to play in the first of three extended spring training games on Saturday.

A-Rod hasn't seen game action since April 28 because of a strained right quadriceps. He hopes to rejoin the team Tuesday.

Before New York's game against Tampa Bay on Thursday, he ran the bases for the first time since going on the disabled list.

"We have one more day tomorrow to see how my body is going to react," Rodriguez said. "Saturday, Sunday, Monday, play, and then hopefully tee it up Tuesday."

Rodriguez will play third in two of the three games, and is slated to bat five times each day. Rodriguez will be able to bat every inning in the less formal extended spring games.

"Right now it's getting the confidence, getting some games and at-bats under my belt," he said.


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