A-Rod moves up target date to first week of May

Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees have moved up A-Rod's target date and are now shooting for a return to the team sometime in the first week of May, sources say.

Rodriguez and the Yankees were originally calling May 15 the target date for his return, and that is still the publicly stated goal. However, Rodriguez's progress has been so good, both he and the team are hopeful he can return more than a week earlier than first expected.

Rodriguez had surgery on March 9 to repair a torn labrum in his right hip. That initial procedure was performed to allow him to play through this season. He'll need to undergo a second surgery after the year's over.

In Rodriguez's place at third base, a combination of Cody Ransom, Ramiro Pena and Angel Berroa has failed to stand out. The Yankees are 9-10 and already trail the rival Red Sox, who have won 11 straight, by four games.