Girardi not optimistic about A-Rod's oblique injury

The sick bay in the Bronx is growing.

New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez underwent an MRI after leaving Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays with what the team called left oblique stiffness.

The team announced later Sunday that the MRI results were negative, and that Rodriguez will travel with the team to Texas.

The 40-year-old was lifted for pinch hitter Dustin Ackley in the sixth inning after breaking an 0-for-13 slump with an RBI double in his previous at-bat. Manager Joe Girardi told reporters Rodriguez suffered the injury while taking practice swings in the tunnel during the top half of the sixth.

Speaking after New York's 8-1 loss to Tampa Bay, Girardi explained that oblique injuries are always a cause for concern.

"Any time someone leaves with an oblique, you're not really optimistic," Girardi said. "Because they take a while (to heal) depending on the severity of it."

Girardi noted that Rodriguez said he "didn't feel that bad when he left to get the MRI."

New York is already down a hitter after outfielder Aaron Hicks injured his shoulder Saturday.