Alex Rodriguez is officially back on the New York Yankees roster after the Major League Baseball removed him from the restricted following the conclusion of the World Series match between the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals.
Rodriguez was suspended for the rest of the 2014 MLB season for his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal that rocked the league. He was officially reinstated on Wednesday, but the veteran third baseman isn't planning to talk to the media anytime soon according to his spokesman.
Rodriguez, who has three years left on his contract with the Yankees that would pay him $61 million, might continue to play a big role for the Yankees moving forward, but general manager Brian Cashman said that he is unsure on what to expect from the 39-year-old veteran.
"I don't know what to expect because he missed a full year," Cashman said via Newsday. "I know I expect hard work and dedication because that's something he does bring. He's going to work his tail off and he's going to compete, that I can count on. Can I count on the results that come with the position? That I don't think, in my chair or Joe Girardi's chair, is the safe route to take."
Before his one-year suspension, Rodriguez has only played in 44 games for the Yankees due to injuries, creating speculation that A-Rod might have difficulties fitting into the Yankees again.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi recently told ESPN New York that they expect Rodriguez to be in the lineup next season, but he is unsure whether or not the 20-year veteran will start at third base.
"We have to see where he is at," Girardi said. "I think that is the thing that we have to do. I believe he is going to be 40 next summer, and we need to see where he is physically at."
The Yankees failed to make the playoffs for the second straight season. With Derek Jeter deciding to retire, Rodriguez might be named as the next captain should he regain his form in time for next season.
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