UPDATE: General manager Brian Cashman told Wallace Matthews of ESPNNewYork.com that the Yankees will not pay Alex Rodriguez's $6 million bonus for his 660th home run.
Alex Rodriguez didn't start in last night's series opener against the Boston Red Sox, but he made a significant impact on the game and reached another milestone in baseball history.
Manager Joe Girardi called on Rodriguez to pinch hit for Garrett Jones in the eighth inning with the game tied 2-2. The 39-year-old stepped into the batter's box to face Junichi Tazawa after third baseman Chase Headley grounded out to second. In the fourth pitch of the at-bat, Rodriguez silenced the crowd at Fenway Park.
The former AL MVP took Tazawa deep over the Green Monster and put the Yankees up by a run, which ended up being the game-winning hit. It was also Rodriguez's 660th home run of his career and he tied Willie Mays for fourth place on the all-time home run list. New York topped Boston 3-2 in A-Rod's first game at Fenway Park since September of 2013.
"I'm actually very excited, trying to stay in the moment," Rodriguez said after the game, via The Associated Press. "It's good to do it in a good team win.
"Any time you're sandwiched between Willie Mays and Babe Ruth, it's pretty special."
Check out Rodriguez's historic home run below.
The San Francisco Giants released a statement on behalf of Mays following Rodriguez's home run on Friday night.
"Congratulations to Alex Rodriguez on his 660th home run. Milestones in baseball are meant to be broken and I wish him continued success throughout his career."
However, while it was a big win for the Yankees and a proud moment for Rodriguez, it may not be all that dandy in the next few weeks. New York technically owes A-Rod $6 million for reaching Mays' mark of 660 home runs, but the organization said earlier in the offseason it was prepared to dispute what they refer to as the "marketing bonuses." The club believes the value of the bonuses is diminished considering Rodriguez was suspended for the entire 2014 season because of performance-enhancing drug use.
It'll be interesting to see what transpires in the near future regarding this issue.
