AL | Yankees won't rush Alex Rodriguez into service

NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez was surprised Thursday morning to learn from reporters that he is eligible to come off the disabled list next Thursday, not next Wednesday as he had originally believed.

"That's bad news," he said.

The Yankees don't want to rush A-Rod back from the strained right quadriceps muscle that has had him on the DL since April 30. They tried that once and it didn't work out well. Girardi ruled out bringing Rodriguez back as the designated hitter.

Rodriguez headed for Tampa, Fla., after the game to continue his rehab. Injured Jorge Posada and Phil Hughes joined him. Posada is set to test his strained right shoulder with some light throwing on Monday, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

The Yankees still haven't heard of MLB's decision regarding Kyle Farnsworth's appeal of his three-game suspension for throwing inside on Manny Ramirez on April 17. Farnsworth's appeal was heard on Tuesday. The team expects him to start serving it tonight.

In other A-Rod news, Donald Trump made comments about him in Arkansas on Thursday at the Economics Arkansas luncheon.

"He always plays bad under pressure," Trump said, according to arkansasbusiness .com. "Derek Jeter, he's the greatest. People love Derek Jeter. Are those cameras on? This is going to get broadcast back home. Oh, now he'll leave my building."

A company controlled by a corporation controlled by Rodriguez bought an apartment at Trump Park Avenue in Manhattan for $7.4 million in July 2005.

Baltimore: Manager Dave Trembley said Freddie Bynum, activated Thursday from the 15-day DL, would replace Luis Hernandez. Infielder Eider Torres was optioned to Class AAA Norfolk to make room on the roster.

Boston: Starting pitcher Curt Schilling played long toss before Thursday's game against the Detroit Tigers, continuing his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury.

Minnesota: Manager Ron Gardenhire rejoined the team after missing the last five games to be with his family in Oklahoma following the death of his brother.

Oakland: The Oakland Athletics optioned lefty Dallas Braden to Class AAA Sacramento.

Texas: Ex-Mariner and first baseman Ben Broussard was designated for assignment.

Toronto: Shortstops David Eckstein and John McDonald were placed on the 15-day DL, two days after both were injured in a loss to Tampa Bay.

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