Alex Rodriguez is starting to come to life after a dreadful August, but Yankees manager Joe Girardi is still concerned about him. In fact, Girardi is worried that the 40-year-old DH might be fatigued.
“There are some concerns there of fatigue, of course,” manager Joe Girardi said Wednesday via NJ.com. “But we need him now.”
A-Rod was given most of Sunday off, though he did get a hit in the game. He also had two hits including a home run in Wednesday’s game, indicating he may be bouncing back.
But the numbers in the second half of the season haven’t been pretty for A-Rod. After hitting .278 with 18 home runs and an .897 OPS in the first half, Rodriguez has hit .217 since the All-Star break. At least he’s picked up the power numbers by smacking 15 dingers.
If Girardi believes A-Rod fell off because of fatigue, that wouldn’t be unusual. Even Mike Trout, who is only 24, had a horrendous August. Perhaps that is just the time of the season when players burn out. The Yankees certainly are hoping so as they will need A-Rod’s bat in the postseason.
