MINNEAPOLIS — Alex Rodriguez is almost there.
The New York Yankees weren't ready to take their star third baseman off the disabled list for Saturday night's game at Minnesota, but manager Joe Girardi said he plans to play Rodriguez on Sunday against the Twins if the three-time AL MVP feels all right in the morning.
"My mouth's getting watery here," Rodriguez said. "I'm ready to play, and I've watched enough baseball."
Rodriguez went through another pregame workout on Saturday afternoon. He hasn't played for the Yankees since July 7, due to a torn meniscus in his right knee that required surgery.
"Another good day for us," Rodriguez said. "Hopefully today was the last day of workouts."
He added: "The last three days have progressively gotten better. I'm not as winded after going first to third or first to home, and I'm pretty much ready to go."
Girardi said he was pleased with what he saw on the field.
"I thought he was moving well, I thought he swung the bat well and I thought he moved in the field well," Girardi said. "He answered all the questions. Let's just see how he bounces back when he comes in tomorrow."
Rodriguez said he hopes to play third base and Girardi didn't rule that out, but the manager was noncommittal about where he'd put him.
The Yankees don't play on Monday. They return home to host Oakland on Tuesday.
Rodriguez had surgery in July so he'd be at full strength for the stretch run in September, and so far his plan has played out. He's said his power at the plate — an uncharacteristic 13 home runs in 305 at-bats — was diminished by the injury that made it difficult for him to push off during his swing.
"Hopefully tomorrow is the day we get it going," Rodriguez said.