TAMPA, Fla. — Alex Rodriguez is getting his power swing back.
The Yankees third baseman, coming back from hip surgery in January, hit a ball to the base of the center-field fence and another on the warning track in left center off a minor league right-hander Monday as he continued taking simulated at-bats.
In sessions late last week, A-Rod primarily hit grounders mixed in with a couple liners.
Rodriguez also had an extensive baserunning session and did sliding drills on a mat in the outfield, two key steps before starting a minor league rehab assignment.
The Yankees have not said when Rodriguez will begin playing in games, but are hoping for after the All-Star break.
Derek Jeter, recovering from a broken left ankle, took batting practice with Rodriguez and Eduardo Nunez.
The shortstop had relocated his rehab Saturday and Sunday to Yankee Stadium. Jeter hasn’t played this season after breaking his ankle in the ALCS opener Oct. 13. After surgery, he played just five spring training games because of soreness. A new break was discovered April 18.
Nunez, who strained a muscle on his left side while filling in for Jeter, also took simulated at-bats, ran the bases and did slides with Rodriguez.