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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 12:53 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2009

MLB: A-Rod slides, goes 1-for-5 in spring training game

Associated Press

DUNEDIN, Fla. — Alex Rodriguez slid for the first time since hip surgery, going 1-for-5 with a walk Wednesday in a New York Yankees extended spring training game.

The three-time AL MVP says he doesn't know whether he'll rejoin the Yankees on Friday in Baltimore.

He singled up the middle as a designated hitter, and in the third inning he walked and slid into second on an inning-ending infield grounder.

"The slide was good. No problems. I feel good," he said.

Rodriguez had hip surgery March 9 and the third baseman has been on the disabled list since the start of the season. The Yankees planned to give Rodriguez a break as a DH after he played defense for seven innings in consecutive games Monday and Tuesday.

New York's extended spring team was scheduled for an intrasquad game Thursday morning, which could be Rodriguez's final game in Florida if he does rejoin the Yankees for the opener of a weekend series at Baltimore. As he jogged toward the clubhouse, A-Rod said "Don't know" about returning to the majors on Friday

The Yankees have said that sliding was one of the final tests in Rodriguez's rehab program. When asked if he had reservations about sliding again, Rodriguez replied: "Nope."

Chien-Ming Wang, on the DL with weakness of the abductor muscles in his hips, was scheduled to pitch in Thursday's extended spring game.

Also, pitcher Humberto Sanchez, released by New York on April 25 to open a spot on the 40-man roster, agreed to a minor league deal with the Yankees. He is working out at the team's complex in Florida.