Alex Rodriguez Goes 1-for-4 in Season Debut

Amidst a whirlwind of controversy, Alex Rodriguez stepped up to the plate for the New York Yankees against the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.

With the White Sox up 3-0 in the top of the second inning, Rodriguez blooped a single to left field.

That was the highlight of his night as A-Rod finished 1-for-4 with a strikeout. It was the 2,033rd strikeout of his career. The White Sox ended up winning 8-1. 

It was always going to be news enough when Rodriguez made his 2013 debut. What makes his first at-bat even more noteworthy is the scandal in which the former MVP finds himself embroiled.

MLB.com's Paul Hagen reported Major League Baseball would be suspending Rodriguez without pay for the duration of the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Of the 13 players linked to Biogenesis who were punished by the league, A-Rod received the harshest penalty. He has chosen to appeal the decision, and as a result, is eligible to play.

The New York Yankees' public relations department confirmed on Twitter that he'd be in the lineup on Monday night.

"

Tonight's NYY Lineup at Chicago-AL. First pitch at 8:10 ET. pic.twitter.com/oILITK6sVm

— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) August 5, 2013"

It was only a matter of time before the axe fell on the star. The New York Daily News' Bill Madden, Michael O'Keeffe and Teri Thompson reported over the weekend that Rodriguez and the league had ended negotiations for a possible settlement. Once that happened, the league wasn't going to waste any time in dealing out his ban.

Regardless of the looming suspension, he'll no doubt be happy to finally get on the field in pinstripes again. The 38-year-old third baseman has spent the season rehabbing from hip surgery, starting out in Single-A Charleston.

It's only a momentary peace for Rodriguez, as sooner or later he'll likely have to serve some sort of ban. For the time being, he's an upgrade for the Yankees at third base and could help them fight their way back into playoff contention.