NEW YORK – Alex Rodriguez had a day off to think about the “overwhelming” reception he received in his season debut at Yankee Stadium.

A-Rod didn’t play Saturday in the New York Yankees’ 9-3 loss to Detroit, a game that began about 13 hours after Rodriguez struck out three times in four at-bats during a 10-inning victory against the Tigers.

“Just a day, it’s a quick turnaround and he’s coming off an injury,” Manager Joe Girardi said. “If we don’t have that late night maybe I play him today.”

Rodriguez left the ballpark Friday night without talking to the media, but he was upbeat and smiling throughout a chat in front of his locker before Saturday’s game.

Coming off January hip surgery, Rodriguez played his first game in New York since a horrendous postseason and since appealing the 211-game doping suspension he was given last week.

He received a mix of cheers and boos throughout the pregame, and a good number of fans stood and applauded during his first at-bat against Detroit’s Rick Porcello. But any good vibes quickly turned to jeers when he struck out.

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“I was having a hard time keeping my emotions in check,” Rodriguez said of the welcome. “So much better than I even dreamed of. I just felt the love walking around the city. What people are screaming, pretty incredible. This city is the greatest city in the world.”

REDS: Left fielder Ryan Ludwick rejoined the team, four months after he tore cartilage in his right shoulder while sliding headfirst into third base. It’s unclear how much he’ll be able to contribute at the outset.

The Reds plan to activate Ludwick off the disabled list Monday before the start of a three-game series in Chicago against the Cubs.

CUBS: Chicago selected the contract of outfielder Darnell McDonald from Triple-A Iowa.

McDonald, 34, was hitting .236 at Iowa.

He played a combined 42 games with Boston and the New York Yankees last season, and hit .205.

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MARLINS: Manager Mike Redmond held right fielder Giancarlo Stanton out of the lineup to give Stanton some rest.

Redmond said it “seems like he’s just really grinding and not having a whole lot of fun out there.”

ANGELS: Los Angeles placed second baseman Howie Kendrick on the 15-day disabled list with a hyperextended left knee.

INDIANS: Pitcher Scott Kazmir will be given at least a couple of extra days of rest following a rough start.

Kazmir allowed five runs in the first inning Friday night in a 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. He pitched three innings and said after the game he had a “dead arm.”

PADRES: San Diego put outfielder Carlos Quentin on the 15-day disabled list with a strained knee.

WHITE SOX: Left fielder Dayan Viciedo was scratched from the lineup because of a sore left thumb.

BLUE JAYS: Toronto placed left-hander Juan Perez on the 60-day disabled list with a torn ligament in his elbow and recalled right-hander Mickey Storey from Triple-A Buffalo.


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