A-Rod is A-OK: Doesn't need more hip surgery

[December 18, 2009]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Alex Rodriguez is all set to start his winter workouts.

The New York Yankees star found out this week that his surgically repaired right hip is holding up fine.

"Great news," he said Thursday.

Rodriguez had surgery last March for torn cartilage and missed the first month of the season. At the time, Dr. Marc Philippon, who performed the operation, thought Rodriguez would need a more extensive procedure in the offseason.

But Philippon recently examined Rodriguez, and an MRI test helped show the three-time MVP had properly healed. The doctor told A-Rod that he was A-OK on Monday.

Otherwise, Rodriguez probably would've been "having surgery today," he said at a Yankee Stadium news conference to formally introduce Curtis Granderson.

Rodriguez was the Yankees' top hitter in the postseason, batting .365 with six home runs and 18 RBIs as they won the World Series. He had 30 homers and 100 RBIs during his injury-shortened regular season.

Philippon checked Rodriguez during the first round of the playoffs and liked what he saw.

"I have to say, I'm impressed with his progression and the way the season went," Philippon said then. "I wouldn't say I'm surprised because you're dealing with a world-class athlete who has a lot of discipline."

Rodriguez said he threw Wednesday for the first time this offseason and could start hitting anytime he wanted. The All-Star third baseman said he was eager to begin his full winter conditioning program.

The Yankees gave Rodriguez a regular day of rest last season, but he said didn't anticipate needing the same breaks next year. As for occasionally taking a day to be the DH, he said that would be fine "once a month."

[Associated Press; By BEN WALKER]

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