Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long told the New York Post that Rodriguez has begun to hit and "feels 70 percent." Long speaks with the third baseman daily, the Post reported.
Citing an unnamed team official, the Post also said it's possible Rodriguez could be back on the field by late April if the Yankees were to support an earlier return.
The three-time AL MVP has been rehabbing and working out in Colorado and eventually will move his workouts to the Yankees' spring training complex in Tampa, Fla. A firm date for the switch is not set, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said last week. April 13 would be the latest date, Cashman said.
"Everything is going well," Cashman said. "He's working extremely hard. Everything is going as planned."
The Yankees begin a three-game road series at Tampa Bay on April 13. New York will open the season Monday in Baltimore with Cody Ransom at third base and doesn't open at home until April 16.
Rodriguez had surgery in Vail, Colo., on March 9 and the Yankees don't expect the third baseman to rejoin the team until about May 15. Cashman added that he has indicated he hopes to be back sooner.
Rodriguez is also lifting weights, riding a stationary bike, working out in a pool and doing a range of motion drills.
