Major League Baseball

Report: A-Rod to sue Yankees' doctor

Published Aug. 19, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

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Any good feelings between the Yankees and Alex Rodriguez coming from Sunday night's emotional win at Boston were apparently quickly extinguished on Monday, as a report surfaced that the embattled third baseman's legal team is preparing to sue the club's doctor.

Citing "a source in A-Rod's camp," ESPN reported that Rodriguez representatives are preparing to file a medical malpractice suit against the Yankees' team doctor, Chris Ahmad, stating: "Rodriguez and his lawyers believe they have evidence that supports their contention that Chris Ahmad, the Yankees' team doctor, misdiagnosed A-Rod's hip injury during last October's playoffs. They have yet to file the suit as they continue to put together their case."

Rodriguez went 3 for 25 during a brutal postseason in 2012, before finally being benched by manager Joe Girardi. Shortly after, it was learned Rodriguez 1) claimed that his previously operated on right hip was sore, and 2) would need surgery on his left hip, as well.

At the heart of this latest dispute, according to the report, is a report filed by a radiologist who, along with Ahmad, conducted an MRI exam on Rodriguez on Oct. 11, a day after he was lifted by Girardi for a pinch-hitter. That report was forwarded to a second doctor, Marc Philippon, who then performed a second MRI exam which revealed the need for the surgery on the left hip.

According to ESPN, that radiologist's report contains no documentation, interpretation or commentary from Ahmad. However, according to the story, Rodriguez's team interprets the report to indicate "that Ahmad knew Rodriguez had a tear in the left hip but did not inform A-Rod."

This is just the latest in a series of stories that have surfaced in recent weeks showing a clear rift between the reviled slugger and the most successful franchise in MLB, if not all of American sports.

On Aug. 5, Rodriguez was suspended for 211 games — through the conclusion of the 2014 season — for his involvement in the Biogenesis PED scandal. He is currently playing as he appeals the suspension.

He has also filed a grievance against the club for their handling of his injury, been accused of outing other players during the Biogenesis investigation, and seen his attorney engaged in a heated (and a bit amusing) exchange on the "Today Show" on Monday.

And yet fences looked like they were possibly being mended on Sunday, when a wild night in Boston's Fenway Park began with A-Rod being plunked by Ryan Dempster — leading to Girardi's ejection — and capped by Rodriguez hitting a monster HR to lead New York to an emotional victory.

But like a good episode of the Kardashians, you never what the next day will bring.

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