Yankees’ A-Rod won’t play in spring training opener

The Sports Xchange

10 years ago

New York Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez takes batting practice at the Yankees minor league complex for spring training in Tampa, Florida February 23, 2015. (REUTERS/Scott Audette)

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez (13) takes batting practice during spring training at Yankees Minor Leauge Complex. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez (13) practices during spring training work outs at Yankees Minor Leauge Complex. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Feb 23, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez (13) works out for spring training at Yankees Minor League Complex. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Feb 23, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez (13) practices during spring training at Yankees Minor Leauge Complex. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Feb 23, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez (13) practices during spring training work outs at Yankees Minor Leauge Complex. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Feb 23, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez (13) reacts during spring training work outs at Yankees Minor Leauge Complex. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

New York’s Alex Rodriguez will have to wait a little longer before he plays in a “real” game for the Yankees after a 17-month layoff due to suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s drug rules.

ESPN reported Monday that the 39-year-old Rodriguez was not on the travel roster for the Yankees’ spring opener against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.

Rodriguez was in the lineup for Monday afternoon’s intrasquad scrimmage in Tampa.

Last week manager Joe Girardi said he wanted to get Rodriguez as many at-bats as possible this spring. Neither Girardi nor Rodriguez were available before Monday’s scrimmage.

The Yankees play their first home spring training game Wednesday against the Phillies.