Alex Rodriguez Injury: What Will Yankees Do At Third Base?

Alex Rodriguez has been placed on the disabled list by the New York Yankees after suffering a broken fifth metacarpal bone in his left hand after being hit by a pitch from Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners Tuesday night. The Yankees recalled infielder Ramiro Pena from AAA to take his spot on the roster.

"It's difficult. Tough break," said Rodriguez following the game. "I never thought fracture, but it was."

There are three candidates on the current roster to play third base in Rodriguez' absence. They are Pena, and veterans Eric Chavez and Jayson Nix. YES Network has a look at all three players -- as well as other candidates currently in the minor-league system. Per YES, GM Brian Cashman said he will explore the trade market, but it does not sound like Cashman is willing to give up premium prospects for a short-term fix. Rodriguez should return to the Yankees by mid- to late September.

Rodriguez was hitting .274 with 15 home runs and 44 RBI in 93 games this season. He hit .310 in July with two home runs and nine RBI.