Girardi says 'good chance' A-Rod returns Monday

Bronx, NY – New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Sunday that there is a "good chance" that Alex Rodriguez will rejoin the team for Monday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Rodriguez, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list for a fractured left hand after being hit by a pitch by the Seattle Mariners' Felix Hernandez on July 24, is hitting .276 with 15 homers and 44 RBI in 94 games this season.

"I think it's important to get him back, because it does a lot of different things to our lineup," Girardi said. "He's a presence in our lineup. We've had to stack lefties a lot.

In two rehab games for Single-A Tampa, the 36-year-old went 0-for-7 with a walk, run scored and four strikeouts.

Yankees center fielder Curtis Granderson was held out of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles due to mild tendinitis in his right hamstring. He was pulled in the second inning of Saturday's game against the Orioles.

"The good thing is he didn't pull anything, but we're gonna have to give him a day or two," Girardi said.

An MRI didn't reveal a strain or tear.

Andy Pettitte, on the disabled list since June 27 with a fractured left ankle, threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Sunday.

"I think he's making a lot of progress now," Girardi said. "The fact that he's off the mound, he's comfortable and he's recovering fine tells me he's on the path to getting back."

There is no timetable for his return.