ARLINGTON, Texas -- Alex Rodriguez took his 40th birthday in stride on Monday, much in the way he has navigated his entire comeback season.
“I’m one day older,’’ the New York Yankees designated hitter said in the clubhouse before an 8:05 start against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park. “I feel good. I’m happy to be here. I feel like I’m in a good place.’’
He can draw encouragement from his healthy statistics -- .277 average, 23 home runs, 58 RBIs. A 6 1/2-game lead for New York in the AL East does not hurt, either.
“I have a great feeling about this team,’’ Rodriguez said. “We get along really well. This is the most I’ve appreciated the game.’’
Rodriguez became the fifth-oldest major leaguer to hit three home runs in a game in Saturday's 8-5 win at Minnesota. Those older: Stan Musial, Jason Giambi, Reggie Jackson and Babe Ruth. Giambi, Jackson and Ruth were no longer Yankees when they accomplished the feat.
“He’s been in the lineup every day and been extremely productive,’’ manager Joe Girardi said of Rodriguez. “At that age, it is rare.’’
Turning 40 in Texas has significance. The Rangers signed Rodriguez to a lucrative free-agent contract in 2001 and he spent three years with the club.
“I was 25 years old,’’ he said. “I learned a lot here.’’
Rodriguez said he will celebrate his birthday after Monday night’s game with his daughters and some friends.
Mound opening: Girardi in his pregame media conference said Tuesday’s starting pitcher remains undecided.
Top candidates should the Yankees cast an eye to Triple-A are Diego Moreno and Esmil Rogers. Moreno is a member of the 40-man roster and is 3-0 with a 2.18 ERA.
The Yankees are giving the rotation, beginning with Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda, an extra day of rest before they start in the Texas heat on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
“It wasn’t our original plan to do it this way,’’ the manager said. “It is easier in September to do it because we have more bodies.’’
Notes: Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett was a pregame visitor to the Yankees clubhouse ... A temperature in the upper 90s is forecast for game time. Girardi said the Yankees’ training staff talks to the players about the importance of hydration facing four days in the Texas heat. “It’s hot for both teams. You’ve got to deal with it.’’
