Yanks say A-Rod will play defense only in emergencies

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Barring emergencies, Alex Rodriguez will not play third base or first anymore this season.

New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Wednesday he prefers using A-Rod solely as a designated hitter going forward.

Rodriguez turns 40 in July and has had surgery on both hips. He has played the past week with soreness in his left hamstring.