VIDEO: A-Rod silences critics with single in spring debut

Alex Rodriguez is back in the New York Yankees' lineup for the first time since Sept. 25, 2013.

After swinging and missing on two consecutive 91 mph fastballs, Rodriguez lined a single to left field off Philadelphia Phillies starter Kevin Slowey in the bottom of the first inning Wednesday.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

A-Rod is serving as the designated hitter and hitting second in manager Joe Girardi's lineup after serving a one-year suspension for his role in the Biogenesis scandal.

Rodriguez grounded out to shortstop on the first pitch of his second at-bat in the bottom of the third inning, but showed some discipline in his final plate appearance by working a 3-2 count and eventually drawing a walk. His final line: 1-for-2 with a walk.