ATLANTA — Alex Rodriguez has been where Bryce Harper is today: a 19-year-old playing in the big leagues with outsized expectations and millions of eyes watching every move.
“I love big talent. I am a baseball fan,’’ Rodriguez said of the Nationals’ rookie outfielder the Yankees will see for the first time this weekend in Washington. “To be 19 years old and doing what he is doing . . .’’
Rodriguez said he is so impressed with Harper that he “would pay money to see him.’’
Harper has played in 40 big league games and is hitting .307 with seven homers and 19 RBIs.
Rodriguez said he won’t approach Harper at the batting cage Friday night before the first of three games against the NL East-leading Nationals but he would be receptive if Harper wants to chat.
“I am very supportive of young players, not just on our team,’’ Rodriguez said. “They call or text, and I am always available.’’
Rodriguez said he is thankful he had Edgar Martinez and Jay Buhner to raise him as a Mariner and understands as a 19-year-old, life in the big leagues is different than it is for a veteran.
“For three years I couldn’t go into a bar with my teammates,’’ Rodriguez recalled. “I had Lou Piniella as the manager. He was the greatest teacher I had and Davey [Johnson] could be the perfect guy [for Harper].’’
As for not seeing Stephen Strasburg, Rodriguez wasn’t whining about missing the dominating right-hander.
“I don’t need to see it that close,’’ Rodriguez said. “He has a power arm and a guy who misses barrels. They are a force to be reckoned with not only this October but a lot of Octobers.’’
Rodriguez drove in the first run of last night’s 3-2 win over the Braves. The Yankees are 17-0 when Rodriguez has an RBI.
Rodriguez has 1,923 RBIs and is one shy of tying Jimmie Foxx for sixth place on the all-time list.
***
Robinson Cano’s 10-game hitting streak ended with an 0-for-4, three-strikeout game.
***
David Robertson will be activated before Friday night’s game and end a disappointing stretch for the right-hander who hasn’t pitched in a big league game since May 11 due to a left rib cage problem.
“I am glad that I am finally coming back,’’ said Robertson, who was hurt in the closer’s role but will return as the eighth-inning arm because Rafael Soriano has pitched very well in the closer’s role. “It feels like I have been gone forever.’’
Manager Joe Girardi was vague when asked if Cody Eppley ’s recent strong performances would make it a difficult decision to send the right-handed reliever out to make room for Robertson.
Long man David Phelps is an option to go to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Freddy Garcia, who has worked 1 ²/₃ innings since May 21, would have to be designated for assignment to make room for Robertson.
“I am glad to be back, let’s see where everything pans out,’’ Robertson said when asked about not being the closer. “I am just glad to be here.’’
Robertson pitched in two Triple-A rehab games and didn’t experience a problem.
***
Brett Gardner will be examined by Dr. Tim Kremchek Thursday in Cincinnati. Gardner has had the right elbow looked at by Yankees’ doctor Chris Ahmad and Dr. James Andrews. They have diagnosed the problem as a strain. Gardner hasn’t played since April 17.
***
The Yankees are 7-2 in interleague play this year and the 164-109 mark since the exercise was introduced in 1997 is the best in baseball.
After the weather report predicted “a zero chance of rain,’’ it rained from the second inning to the ninth and the skies above Turner Field were filled with lightning.
“The conditions were kind of weird,’’ Girardi said.
***
Rodriguez received congratulations from the ALS Association Greater New York chapter Wednesday after tying Lou Gehrig’s record for 23 grand slams.
“The ALS Association Greater New York Chapter congratulates Alex Rodriguez for matching Lou Gehrig’s 74 year old record. Rising to this record that has gone unmatched for nearly three-quarters of a century is an amazing feat, and for a fellow New York Yankee to now share this piece of history with the legend that is Lou Gehrig, is extra special. We are proud to carry on the fight against the disease that bears Gehrig’s name and commend Alex on this outstanding accomplishment,” said President & CEO Dorine Gordon.