A-Rod to play in extended spring game Saturday

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is scheduled to play in the first of three extended spring training games on Saturday.

A-Rod hasn't seen game action since April 28 because of a strained right quadriceps. He hopes to rejoin the team Tuesday.

Before New York's game against Tampa Bay on Thursday, he ran the bases for the first time since going on the disabled list.

``We have one more day tomorrow to see how my body is going to react,'' Rodriguez said. ``Saturday, Sunday, Monday, play, and then hopefully tee it up Tuesday.''

Rodriguez will play third in two of the three games, and is slated to bat five times each day. Rodriguez will be able to bat every inning in the less formal extended spring games.

``Right now it's getting the confidence, getting some games and at-bats under my belt,'' he said.

Saturday's game is against Rays' minor leaguers. After a simulated game Sunday, Monday's contest will be with Philadelphia minor leaguers.

``I just want to see how I react in games,'' Rodriguez said.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Rodriguez has a ``great day.''

``He looked fine,'' Girardi said. ``I didn't see anything that he was dragging his leg.''

Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, out with a right shoulder injury, threw at 75 feet. He might be ready for a minor league rehab assignment during the last week of May.

``His velocity was better,'' Girardi said. ``He's going in the right direction.''

Also, the Yankees recalled right-hander Ian Kennedy from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre to start Thursday's game and optioned left-hander Kei Igawa to the International League club.

Igawa, who allowed six runs over three innings in only start last Friday against Detroit, will pitch against Triple-A Louisville Friday.

``We still project him as a starter,'' Girardi said. ``We don't want him to pitch once in a while out of the bullpen.''