Yankees expect Alex Rodriguez to return from DL on Sunday

Alex Rodriguez has yet to test his injured calf by taking batting practice, but Andrew Marchand of ESPNNewYork.com reports that the Yankees expect him to come off the disabled list when eligible Sunday. Rodriguez did hit off a tee yesterday, and Marchand notes that he also played catch, rode a stationary bike, and lifted weights. There’s also the sense that he could have potentially avoided the DL altogether if the Yankees didn’t have the breathing room to play it safe with Rodriguez, so assuming no setbacks it’s a good bet he’ll return following the minimum 15 days off. Whether he’ll feel good enough to play third base every day or will need some time at designated hitter is another issue. Eduardo Nunez and Ramiro Pena have more or less split time at third base in his absence and Rodriguez hasn’t started more than six consecutive games at third base since mid-July. He’ll need a strong final month to avoid posting the lowest OPS of his career.