The New York Yankees today activated Alex Rodriguez from the disabled list. Rodriguez will be in the lineup batting cleanup and playing third base this afternoon when the Yankees face the Minnesota Twins.
To make room for Rodriguez the Yankees optioned left-hander Aaron Laffey to AAA Scranton Wilkes-Barre. Laffey was just claimed on waivers by the Yankees within the past couple of days and pitched three innings in relief on Saturday.
Rodriguez underwent surgery July 11 to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.
Rodriguez underwent an extensive workout Saturday afternoon and apparently responded well enough that the Yankees are comfortable activating him and playing him in the field.
“The one thing we did here is we were able to go first to third full speed, and simulate a situation with [third-base coach] Rob Thomson sending me around third,” Rodriguez said. "And those are things that I’m encouraged about, and over the last three days, I think we’ve covered it.
“I’m ready to play, and I’ve watched enough baseball.”