NEW YORK (AP) – Alex Rodriguez received a loud ovation and walked in the first plate appearance of his return to the major leagues following a season-long drug suspension.
Rodriguez was the New York Yankees’ designated hitter and batted seventh against Toronto on Monday, his first time that low in the order at the start of a regular-season game since May 7, 1996.
New York trailed 5-0 when he came to the plate leading off the third inning. Rodriguez worked the count full against Drew Hutchison, who was 3 when A-Rod made his big league debut in 1994. On the eighth pitch of the plate appearance, Rodriguez took a 91 mph fastball and became New York’s first baserunner.
Rodriguez was greeted with mostly cheers and some of boos when introduced before the game as players lined up on the field.