Major League Baseball

A-Rod hopes to return Tuesday at Toronto

Published Apr. 18, 2011 3:50 p.m. ET

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Alex Rodriguez missed Sunday night's 6-5 win over the Rangers due to his sore left oblique, but the Yankees' cleanup hitter did not believe the injury would force him to the disabled list, the New York Post reported Monday.

Rodriguez left Saturday's game after the sixth inning because the tightness on the left side of his back was getting worse.

"I would like to think I pulled myself out with perfect timing," Rodriguez said. "I felt that if I went out there and took a violent swing perhaps I could have put myself at risk for a couple of weeks."

The 35-year-old third baseman did not take batting practice Sunday, opting to spend his time in the trainer's room getting treatment. He said he hoped Monday's day off would help, and he could make it back for Tuesday night's game in Toronto.

"It's still a little sore," Rodriguez said. "I'm hoping over the next day or two it gets better."

Rodriguez had an MRI exam on the area, which the Yankees said came back clean. The three-time MVP has made a trip to the disabled list in each of the past three seasons.

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