A-Rod to undergo MRI after departing with hamstring injury

New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez will undergo an MRI after injuring his right hamstring during the fifth inning of Tuesday's series opener against the Baltimore Orioles, manager Joe Girardi told reporters after his club's 4-1 loss.

Rodriguez, who missed a couple games last week due to oblique discomfort, appeared to tweak his hamstring running to first base and was replaced by Dustin Ackley the next time through the order.

"It's definitely worrisome," Girardi said.

After the game, Rodriguez wouldn't speculate as to whether he'll require a trip to the disabled list.

"I don't know. It wasn't a big pop; I've done that before in my career," Rodriguez said. "I'm hopeful for the best. We'll see how I wake up in the morning."

Since returning to the Yankees' lineup Wednesday following a two-game absence, the 40-year-old has been one of the few bright spots in a scuffling offense, going 6-for-14 (.429) with three homers and a pair of doubles in his last four games heading into Tuesday's contest.

"If he's out, someone's going to have to step up in his place, that's all," Girardi said. "That's the nature of the game. Hopefully it's not much and he won't go on the DL, but we'll see."