MOOSIC, Pa. — And just like that, Alex Rodriguez’s return to the Yankees in Texas on Monday now appears to be in doubt.
Scheduled to start at third base Saturday night for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Rodriguez was shifted to DH shortly before game time with what the Yankees called tightness in his left quad.
Rodriguez went through a full batting practice and infield drills at third base before the move was made with just two days remaining before his 20-day rehab stint ends.
In three games with SWB, Rodriguez played third base only once, on Thursday, and didn’t have any chances in the field.
After Friday’s game, Rodriguez reiterated he was “several weeks behind defensively” as he recovers from the left hip surgery that has sidelined him this season.
GM Brian Cashman had remained cautious throughout Rodriguez’s rehab process about whether Rodriguez would be able to play Monday for the Yankees, consistently preaching patience to see if Rodriguez made it through the weekend unscathed.
Rodriguez looked fine fielding grounders and throwing before Saturday night’s game at PNC Field against Louisville.
“I’m putting in the time, although I didn’t get any work [Friday] night, my pregame work has been really intense and been game-speed,” Rodriguez said. “And I’ll catch up. It’s just gonna take a little time.”
That schedule likely took a hit Saturday night, since Derek Jeter landed on the disabled list with a quad injury.
Rodriguez had no complaints physically following Friday’s game in which he singled twice — including on a liner to left when he was thrown out going into second and slid in a game for the first time.
“As far as mobility, I think all that stuff coming along pretty well: mobility, stability and strength,” Rodriguez said.
He added he “definitely” intended to play third Saturday night, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that whenever he does get to the Yankees, Rodriguez will almost certainly be used as a DH.
When asked if he thought he could play third despite his admitted limitations, Rodriguez laughed and said: “You will find out.”
That question only will linger now.
“I’m a player,” Rodriguez said. “Wherever the manager puts me, I’ll be happy to do it.”
And Saturday was the first indication in some time that he had an acknowledged bump in the road.
“I’ve been in this body for a while now, so there’s no surprises,” Rodriguez said. “I feel pretty good. My body keeps feeling better. I keep feeling like I’m getting little more athletic. I’m seeing progress in the weight room. I did defensive work this afternoon and moved around pretty well.”
SWB hitting coach Butch Wynegar, who previously worked with Rodriguez in Texas, said he had liked what he’s seen from the 37-year-old, but admitted there was no way of knowing what’s in store.
“Is he gonna be ready?” the former Yankee catcher said. “Maybe 80 percent of Alex Rodriguez is better than 100 percent of someone else.”
Considering that “someone else” has included the likes of Luis Cruz and Alberto Gonzalez, that might not be a far stretch.
“He puts a threat in the lineup,” Wynegar said. “Whether Alex is top-notch right now or not, I think he’s going to help.”
Wynegar will be watching from afar.
“I hope he’s ready after [Sunday’s] game,” Wynegar said. “The big club needs him… He really looks good. Whether we get the results we’re looking for, I don’t know. Father Time will tell him when his time is up. I don’t see it yet.”
dan.martin@nypost.com