INQUISITR.COM / Sports

New York Yankees News: Alex Rodriguez Press Conference Announced For This Morning

By Mark Suleymanov
Published on: 17:41 PST, Aug 6, 2016

The New York Yankees and Alex Rodriguez will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. Sunday morning, the team announced. While no reason for the surprise presser was given, general manager Brian Cashman and manager Joe Girardi will be in attendance. It will be broadcast live on the YES Network.

Rodriguez, 41, has been the topic of much speculation in recent weeks as his playing time has gone from scarce to non-existent. The 22-year veteran is hitting just .204/.252/.356 with nine homers and 29 runs batted in. He has not recorded a base hit since a pinch-hit single on July 29 at Tampa Bay. Rodriguez’ last home run came on July 18, a moonshot off Baltimore Orioles’ pitcher Chris Tillman.

The Yankees became sellers at this year’s trade deadline, dealing away veterans Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller, Carlos Beltran, and Ivan Nova. Looking to become a younger team, the Yankees sat a struggling A-Rod. He has not started a game since July 30 — going o-for-4 with four strikeouts — and has not recorded a plate appearance since Tuesday when he flew out against Jon Niese to end a 7-1 Yankees loss.

Rumors of Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira — who announced his retirement following the conclusion of the 2016 season on Friday — potentially being release candidates swirled. The team’s immediate plans call for top prospects like Gary Sanchez and Aaron Judge to receive playing time. That leaves little roster flexibility as Rodriguez’ age and injuries limit him to designated hitter duties.

“I’m one of the luckiest human beings on the planet,” Rodriguez said on Tuesday despite his diminished role. “I respect everything Cashman’s doing. I trust Hal Steinbrenner’s plan. I forever will be a Yankee fan. I hope I can contribute. I hope I can stay here for the remainder of my contract [through 2017)]. I’m completely committed.”

Rodriguez showed he could be an impact player last season, hitting .250/.356/.486 with 33 home runs and 86 RBIs in 151 games. He missed all of 2014 due to a record-setting 162-game suspension for his role in the Biogenesis scandal.

“Look, I’ve had a long career. I’ve been through a lot. I’m happy to be a Yankee. I love New York. I think I have a lot to contribute still,” Rodriguez said. “No matter what happens, I’m at peace with myself.”

Known for his dedication to baseball, Rodriguez has mentioned his love for working with younger players. He attributes that commitment to his days as an MLB youngster, debuting with the Seattle Mariners in 1994 when he was still a teenager.

As the Yankees look toward the future, Rodriguez — despite the nature of Sunday’s press conference — does not figure into the team’s long-term plans. However, whether he’s playing or not, he feels that there are contributions to be made.

“Look at-bats are gonna come, if they come. If they don’t, they don’t. I know that when I was 18-years-old and I entered the big leagues, it was instrumental to have guidance, to have guys like Edgar Martinez and Jay Buhner show me the way. Especially in New York, I think it’s very important.”

Rodriguez has posted historic numbers over his career. Entering Sunday, he has 3,114 hits, 696 homers (fourth all-time), 2,084 RBIs, 2,021 runs, and 329 stolen bases — Hall of Fame-worthy numbers if not for his admitted history of performance-enhancing drugs.

Also, Rodriguez is an all-time great Yankee as he’s sixth in franchise history in home runs (351) and slugging percentage (.523), and 11th in RBIs (1,094), per ESPN Stats & Info.

“Bottom line is I have to do better,” Rodriguez said. “Whatever position I put myself in, I have to look in the mirror, nobody else to blame but myself.”

[Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images]

Share this article: New York Yankees News: Alex Rodriguez Press Conference Announced For This Morning
alex rodriguez mlb Baseball New York Yankees
More from Inquisitr