Commissioner: A-Rod 'has done a great job re-entering in a difficult situation'

New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez has drawn rave reviews from his teammates and manager this season, and now the commissioner has taken notice.

Commissioner Rob Manfred has been impressed with how A-Rod has handled his transition back to the majors a year after a season-long suspension.

"I think Alex has done a great job re-entering in a difficult situation,'' Manfred told Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com. "Whenever a player is suspended, it's difficult to return to the field. He's played well, and good for him. I'm pleased for him.''

Rodriguez has been a model citizen, saying and doing all the right things despite a potential battle with the Yankees over a $6-million milestone bonus for passing Willie Mays for fourth on the all-time home runs list.

While Rodriguez has yet to determine whether or not he will file a grievance, Manfred confirmed that the league will allow the Yankees to make their case without interference.

"The Yankees have a well-founded legal position,'' Manfred said. "If there's a dispute over it, it will get handled in the ordinary course (of events).''