Just when it seems that Alex Rodriguez has done seemingly everything in his power to annoy general manager, Brian Cashman, he outdoes himself.
With the Biogenesis investigation in full swing, A-Rod’s future with the Yankees and with Major League Baseball is in question, but the slugger is not making things easier for himself by taking his latest controversy — his injury that may not be an injury — into his own hands.
After the 38-year-old complained of leg pain last week, he underwent an MRI Sunday. The Yankees announced that the MRI showed a left quadriceps strain, but Rodriguez then angered the Yankees, and possibly violated MLB’s collective bargaining agreement, when he neglected to tell the organization he wanted a second opinion.
Dr. Michael Gross, who never personally examined Rodriguez and only looked at an MRI at his request, said there was no injury to his left quad. But on Friday, Cashman addressed the controversy and defended the team’s training and medical staff.
The Yankees GM challenged A-Rod to have his leg examined by an outside doctor and said he would not comment on “extra noise,” according to The Associated Press.
“The MRI is the MRI. It’s fact. You can’t change the results on an MRI,” Cashman said before Friday’s game against Tampa Bay. “So, we’re very comfortable with it, and if anybody wants to utilize the process in place with the union, go right ahead. It’s not something we’re afraid of.”
A-Rod will resume playing in minor league games Aug. 1.
