A-Rod to make spring debut Wednesday: 'I'll be a little nervous'
Alex Rodriguez is gearing up for his first game in more than 17 months.
Rodriguez will be the starting designated hitter for the New York Yankees' spring home opener against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, manager Joe Girardi confirmed.
Rodriguez, who turns 40 this summer, admitted he'll be "a little nervous" when he returns to the field for the first time since Sept. 25, 2013.
"I'm not sure how ready, but I'll give it a shot," Rodriguez told reporters Tuesday. "I haven't been in front of our fans for a long time. I'm excited about that. I have some challenges ahead."
Rodriguez was left off Tuesday's travel roster but participated in Monday's six-inning instrasquad scrimmage at Steinbrenner Field, going 0-for-2 with a groundout and flyout against a pitching machine.
Rodriguez is expected to see time at first base this spring, but will mostly compete for bats at DH against left-handed pitching. The three-time MVP is returning to baseball after serving a 162-game suspension for his involvement in the Biogenesis steroid scandal.
- With files from The Associated Press