A-Rod makes Spring Training debut, goes 1-for-2 in first game since 2013

After nearly 18 months since his last game action, Alex Rodriguez returned to the field and made his Spring Training debut this afternoon. He started at DH and batted second, and went 1-for-2 with a single to left, a ground out to short, and a walk in the Yankees’ first home Grapefruit League game. Video of his afternoon is above.

“Yeah, (I was) a little nervous. It’s been a long time since I put on the pinstripes,” said A-Rod to Dan Barbarisi after the game. Joe Girardi was pleased, telling Bryan Hoch that “for this time of spring, they’re pretty good at-bats.” Girardi confirmed Alex will not play in tomorrow’s game. I’m sure he’ll be back in the lineup Friday.

A-Rod’s day got off to an ominous start as he swung through a pair of 91 mph Kevin Slowey sinkers in his first at-bat before hitting that soft line drive single. His third plate appearance was the best even though he didn’t do much besides take some borderline pitches. If nothing else, at least now we know Alex hasn’t gone blind.

From what I could tell, A-Rod’s reception was mostly cheers with some boos mixed in. That has been the case at Yankee Stadium for a few years now and I’m sure it’ll continue. He’ll be booed unmercifully on the road though. Anyway, the first day doesn’t tell us much. A-Rod’s going to need a few weeks to get his timing back, and today was just day one.