Rodriguez reports to Yanks’ minor league complex

TAMPA, Fla. — Alex Rodriguez reported back to the New York Yankees’ minor league complex Wednesday, three days after he was diagnosed with a strained left quadriceps on the final day of his injury rehabilitation assignment.

Rodriguez, under investigation by Major League Baseball for his reported ties to a clinic accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs, spent a little over four hours at the complex.

“I feel great. That’s all I’ve got to say.” he said when he left, rolling down a window of the SUV he was in. Then he rolled up the window, gave a thumbs up as it closed and then departed.

The third baseman, who turns 38 on Saturday, had been recovering from hip surgery in January. He hit .250 (8 for 40) with two homers and eight RBIs in 13 minor league games before the leg injury.

New York said A-Rod was being sent to Tampa for “for rest and treatment.” The Yankees have not said whether they intend to send him on another rehab assignment.

Outfielder Curtis Granderson, coming back from a broken pinkie, talked with Rodriguez in the clubhouse.

“I saw him briefly as soon as I came in,” Granderson said. “He wanted to come hit with us, but he had to get some stuff taken care of. Almost like a kid out at recess, they had to stop him. You can’t go yet. But it’s all good signs knowing that he’s eager and ready to get back going.”

Granderson said Rodriguez was in a good mood.

“Smiling, talking,” Granderson said. “Doesn’t seem any different than what I’ve seen in the past.”

Granderson, expected back in early August, says he will start a minor rehab assignment Thursday night with Class A Tampa and will be evaluated at the end of the weekend.

Infielder Jayson Nix, sidelined by a hamstring injury, played third base in his first minor league game with the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Yankees. He went 0 for 2 and was hit by a pitch.