TAMPA — Brian Cashman left the door open for Alex Rodriguez returning to camp before the Yankees depart spring training Wednesday, but not very far.
“There is a possible chance of seeing him before we leave, but I doubt it,” Cashman said of his cleanup hitter who is rehabbing in Colorado after March 9 hip surgery.
Cashman talked to Rodriguez Tuesday night.
“He watched the game on the YES Network and said A.J. [Burnett] looked good [against Boston],” Cashman said. “He is doing a lot of work; it’s more of a progression.”
The Yankees are sticking to a May 15 return for Rodriguez, but some believe he will be ready before that.
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Andy Pettitte got a lot out of yesterday’s start in a Single-A game but doesn’t want to work another minor league exhibition game.
“My next [start] is at Dunedin [Toronto]; I need to go over there, I don’t want to come over here again,” Pettitte said at the Yanks’ minor league complex after going 5 1/3 innings against Clearwater of the Florida State League. He gave up five runs (one earned), seven hits, a walk, uncorked two wild pitches and fanned three.
Of his 83 pitches, 63 were strikes.
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Reggie Jackson worked with Austin Jackson almost every day of camp and insisted early that the 22-year-old center fielder was a prospect.
“He is a player, dude,” Mr. October said of Jackson, who was sent out Tuesday night minutes after slugging a grand slam against the Red Sox. “He is still learning.”
Jackson, who is ticketed to play center field at Scranton (Triple-A), batted .333 (12-for-36) with three homers and 10 RBIs.
As for the battle for center field between Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera, the decision may have been made but the Yankees aren’t making it public.
“We have a nice competition going,” Cashman said.
There is a chance both could make the team since Cabrera is out of options.
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Joba Chamberlain faces the Phillies today in Clearwater.