Cashman on A-Rod: 'He's pushed himself into full-time DH consideration'

How Alex Rodriguez and his surgically repaired hips perform over 162 games is anyone's guess, but this much is clear: He's already exceeding his own expectations.

Rodriguez, who famously said prior to arriving in camp that he's fighting for a roster spot this spring, continues to impress New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman in his comeback bid from hip surgery and a season-long suspension.

So much so that Cashman believes Rodriguez is worthy of a starting spot in the lineup on Opening Day.

''We'll talk about all these things, but the way he's looked so far, I'd definitely say he's pushed himself into full-time DH consideration,'' Cashman said before Wednesday's game against the New York Mets. ''He's done well. A lot of life in his bat.''

The 39-year-old is 8-for-28 (.286) this spring with a double and two homers across 12 games. He's received the majority of his playing time at DH and third base, but manager Joe Girardi expects him to see some action at first before the Yankees open their season at home against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 6.

"If you have an injury, if something happens, then it's good to have," Girardi said Tuesday. "We're not asking him to go out there every day, but just to have somewhat of an understanding of the position."