MLB

DINNER DATE FOR A-ROD, PAPI

BOSTON – Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz shared a late meal Saturday night on the eve of Rodriguez’s 33rd birthday at JER-NE restaurant and were joined by somebody Rodriguez predicts will develop into a star.

Sitting with the perennial All Stars was Yonder Alonso, a Coral Gables, Fla., resident, former Miami University star and the seventh pick (by the Reds) in last month’s draft who Rodriguez predicts will sign a $7 million contract soon.

“Manny (Ramirez) and (Ortiz) are [my] close friends,” Rodriguez said when asked if he often socializes with opponents before the Yanks’ 9-2 loss to the Red Sox last night.

Alonso is more than a friend to Rodriguez, a fellow Coral Gables resident.

“He hits at my house every night, still does,” Rodriguez said of left-handed hitting first baseman Rodriguez compared with a young Jason Giambi. “He was my shadow for four months during the winter.”

*

First baseman Richie Sexson said he would like the Yankees to obtain former teammate Jarrod Washburn.

“I’ve been texting back and forth with him, and he seems to know about as much as everyone else. But I know he’d be really excited to play for a good team,” Sexson said. “He’s not a city guy, but he’s a baseball guy, and he’s a guy who thrives in a winning environment. A great team guy.

He may be quiet in the clubhouse but then on the field his personality does a total 180. The three years I played with him, we never seemed to ever get him any runs and he never griped, never complained, always did his job.”

*

Hideki Matsui, out since June 22 with an inflamed left knee, is slated to begin hitting off a tee and soft tosses today at Yankee Stadium.

Jorge Posada‘s plan will be discussed between GM Brian Cashman and manager Joe Girardi. Posada has been out since July 19 with a bothersome right shoulder.

*

Phil Hughes out since April 29 with a fractured rib, makes a minor league rehab start for the Tampa team in the Gulf Coast League today.

Carl “American Idle” Pavano, out forever, does the same tomorrow.

*

Mussina (13-6, 3.26 ERA) opens a three-game series against the Orioles tonight at Yankee Stadium. RHP Jeremy Guthrie (6-8, 3.58) goes for the Birds. Darrell Rasner (5-7, 4.83) draws RHP Daniel Cabrera (6-6, 4.86) tomorrow night and Joba Chamberlain (3-3, 2.30) faces LHP Brian Burres (7-7, 5.37) Wednesday afternoon.

george.king@nypost.com