Alex Rodriguez aims to rejoin Yankees next week

5/13/2008 12:26 PM

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -Injured Alex Rodriguez is hoping to rejoin the New York Yankees early next week.

``We're aiming for Tuesday at home,'' Rodriguez said after working out at the team's minor league complex. ``You've got to be smart, so it's a good way to go.''

The All-Star third baseman is on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right quadriceps. He hasn't played since April 28 and is eligible to come off the DL this Thursday.

``Everyday it's much better,'' he said Tuesday.

Rodriguez, hitting .286 with four home runs and 11 RBIs, will miss the series this weekend against the crosstown rival New York Mets. He might be ready to play in extended spring training games this weekend.

Rodriguez took batting practice, fielded grounders and ran in the outfield during his latest workout.

``I ran about 90 percent today,'' Rodriguez said. ``It felt pretty good running. I went from an 80 yesterday to about 90 today.''

Rodriguez hasn't started running the bases, which normally is one of the final steps in a rehab program. He will remain in Florida when the Yankees finish a four-games series at Tampa Bay on Thursday, and expects to play third base immediately when he comes off the DL.

``I've got plenty of time down here to do all my work,'' Rodriguez said. ``With our team, it's important for me to be at third base. It's frustrating because I feel like I need to be out there to help the team, but, you've got to listen to the medical staff.''

Rodriguez underwent a second MRI exam Monday, which showed improvement but also indicated the injury was not completely healed. He was scheduled Tuesday to meet with team doctor Allen Miller.

``He's very happy with the progress of the MRI from last week to this week, so that's encouraging,'' Rodriguez said. ``I think it's more precautionary now than anything else.''