Alex Rodriguez Tells Radio Station He Will Rejoin New York Yankees on Monday

Alex Rodriguez is set to rejoin the New York Yankees on Monday in Texas. At least, that's what the polarizing third baseman recently told WFAN Sports Radio in an interview:

A-Rod, who is returning from offseason hip surgery, hasn't played a game in the majors this season. During his current rehab stint, he is hitting a meager .179/.250/.321 with one home run, one walk and seven strikeouts in 10 games across Single-A Charleston, High-A Tampa and Double-A Trenton. 

He has, however, looked much better in Trenton over the past couple of days.     

The Yankees don't need much from Rodriguez. Kevin Youkilis, David Adams, Chris Nelson, Jayson Nix and Luis Cruz have combined to give the team next to zero offensive production from third base, and if A-Rod can mimic even what was an underwhelming 2012 campaign, he'll give the fourth-place Yanks (51-44) a much-needed boost in the lineup. 

Last year, Rodriguez hit .272/.353/.430 with 18 homers and 57 RBI in 122 games before suffering through a truly horrific postseason. 

Of course, if he's going to get back to those regular-season numbers, the soon-to-be 38-year-old will have to overcome some nightmarish off-field distractions. 

Not only did Rodriguez clash with general manager Brian Cashman during his rehab, but he was also named in the Biogenesis scandal. According to ESPN's Andrew Marchand, he is likely to be suspended when the penalties are revealed.

Those are expected to come at some point in the second half of the season.

A-Rod was once one of the most dominant hitters in the world, and the Yankees are most certainly in need of some hitting at the hot corner. That said, there are very few professional athletes that come equipped with so much extra baggage.