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A-Rod to play final game on Friday, become advisor for Yanks
- Updated: August 7, 2016
Alex Rodriguez’s long, distinguished and controversial playing career will come to an end on Friday.
Rodriguez and the Yankees announced on Sunday that is when the 14-time All-Star will play his final Major League game, when the Yankees play Tampa Bay at Yankee Stadium. The slugger with the fourth-most home runs in Major League history will be unconditionally released from his player contract and sign a contract to serve as a special advisor and instructor for the Yankees through Dec. 31, 2017.
“We all want to keep playing forever. But it doesn’t work that way,” Rodriguez said during a news conference at Yankee Stadium.
Rodriguez, 41, will work with various players in the Yankees farm system and will report directly to Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner. He will also serve as a guest instructor during 2017 Spring Training.
“After spending several days discussing this plan with Alex, I am pleased that he will remain a part of our organization moving forward and transition into a role in which I know he can flourish,” Steinbrenner said in a statement. “We have an exciting group of talented young players at every level of our system. Our job as an organization is to utilize every resource possible to allow them to reach their potential, and I expect Alex to directly contribute to their growth and success.
“Baseball runs through his blood. He’s a tireless worker and an astute student of the game. Alex has already proven to be a willing and effective mentor to many players who have come through our clubhouse, and I am confident that this next phase of his baseball life will bring out the best in Alex and the next generation of Yankees.”
Sunday’s news came after Rodriguez had seen his playing time diminish as he has struggled at the plate. He last played in the Yankees’ 7-1 loss to the Mets on Tuesday, flying out to end the game in his lone plate appearance. Rodriguez has played in only four games over the past two weeks.
Rodriguez said he plans to return to his …
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