A-Rod makes it clear he intends to play for Yankees [Video]

Alex Rodriguez made it clear during an interview after a rehab game Friday night that he’s ready to return to the field with the New York Yankees despite continuing speculation that he’ll be among the players suspended in connection with the MLB investigation into the Biogenesis scandal.

A-Rod hit a two-run home run, walked and struck out in three plate appearances for the Trenton Thunder, the Yankees’ double-A affiliate, on Friday night against the Reading Fighting Phils. The slugging third baseman has not played in the majors this season after having arthroscopic surgery to his left hip to repair a torn labrum.

Often speaking tersely in the post-game interview Friday night, Rodriguez said there was a tentative plan for him to be back in the Yankees’ lineup Monday against the White Sox in Chicago.

He also made it clear that he’s tired of hearing about the behind-the-scenes negotiations that include the possible voiding of his contract should he be suspended for violating the MLB drug policy. A-Rod is owed more than $100 million over the next five years.

“As far as all the legal stuff, to me it’s been confusing,� Rodriguez said. “The one thing I’ve gotten from so many people, so many fans, some teammates, they’re like, ‘What is going on?’ �

“I think there’s a lot of people that are confused, a lot of people that don’t understand the process,� Rodriguez added of MLB’s investigation and the due process players are afforded when confronted with allegations of using performance-enhancing drugs. “I will say this: There is more than one party that benefits from me not ever stepping back on the field. That’s not my teammates and that’s not the Yankee fans.�

He wouldn’t say who those parties were.

Rodriguez said he was looking forward to playing with the Yankees.

“My job is to do everything I can physically and mentally to help my team win,� he said.

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