Alex Rodriguez Tweets He Is Cleared By Doctor To Play Games; Yankees GM Brian Cashman Tells A-Rod To Shut Up

One of the most high-profile figures in sports, Alex Rodriguez continues to be a hot topic of conversation around Major League Baseball, especially in New York. Required to undergo hip surgery to repair a torn labrum and bone impingement this past January, the 37-year-old All-Star has yet to record an at-bat for the New York Yankees this season.

While the Bronx Bombers did attempt to replace A-Rod with former Boston Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis, the replacement infielder needed back surgery this month to repair a strain, putting him on the disabled list for 10-12 weeks. With an obvious need for defense, power and on-base percentage, the clear thought would have many believing the Pinstripes can't wait for Rodriguez to return to the line-up. Multiple reports indicate however, that A-Rod may not be in such high regard with the Yanks anymore.

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Rodriguez's surgery was performed by Dr. Bryan Kelly, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip arthroscopy and bone impingement procedures but is not a Yankee team doctor, though he was given the approval by the organization to perform the necessary procedures on their highly-paid corner infielder. Beginning his rehab after the January surgery, Rodriguez was apparently told by Dr. Kelly earlier this week that he was in fact ready to begin playing games again, prompting the New York City native to post his excitement on his Twitter page.

Not happy about hearing that Rodriguez publically announced he was ready to play in full games again since Yankee doctors hadn't given A-Rod or the organization their seal of approval, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman was even more upset when he found out about the message during an interview with ESPN Radio in New York.

"You know what, when the Yankees want to announce something, we will," Cashman said to ESPN New York. "Alex should just shut the f--- up. That's it. I'm going to call Alex now. He has not been cleared by our doctors to play in rehab games yet. He's getting closer. There's no doubt about it. But we don't have a date for him to start playing games yet. It could be July 1. It could also be July 5 or maybe June 25."

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In an attempt to clear up any wrongdoing shortly after Cashman's outburst, Rodriguez quickly responded, issuing a statement simply indicating that he meant no harm and is just excited about getting back on the field.

"I will continue to work hard until my efforts get me back in pinstripes and help my team win," the statement read. "The tweet was pure excitement about Dr. Kelly's prognosis."

Despite Cashman's indication that Rodriguez is close to returning, multiple sources report that Alex Rodriguez feels the New York Yankees don't want him return this season and possibly ever again, something Cashman vehemently denies.

"Alex thinks there's something really off about this situation," a source told ESPN's Wallace Matthews. "Here we have a doctor declaring him fit to play. You think they would be happy about that. Alex thinks it's all about the insurance. How could it not be?"

"False and false," Cashman said in response. "He's not being slowed down or anything. Make no mistake; if Alex Rodriguez is healthy, we want him, and I want him, playing third base for us yesterday. We're clearly a better team with him. We're taking every step in the process, but we can't have him unless he's ready. Period."

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Alex Rodriguez is signed with the Bombers through 2017 and has a whopping $114 million left on an original deal worth 10 years and $275 million. While it is understandable that Brian Cashman and the Yankee higher-ups would love to find a way to eliminate much of that salary, it doesn't make sense to think the organization doesn't want a power bat back in the line-up on a team that struggles to score runs.

As of June 27^th, 2013, the Yankees are 42-35 overall and only sit 3.5 games behind the first place Boston Red Sox in the American League East. Tied in the Wild Card race as well, the Yanks are right in the middle of the playoff race and it's hard not to think Rodriguez won't be able to help in some capacity both offensively and defensively when he returns.