Yankees DH Alex Rodriguez walks in first at-bat of season
Alex Rodriguez walked in his first at-bat of the 2015 season on Monday.
He received cheers from the Yankee Stadium crowd prior to his at-bat, his first in an MLB game since Sept. 25, 2013.
Rodriguez is serving as the Yankees designated hitter and batting seventh in the team's opener against the Toronto Blue Jays.
• Fans ride a 1917 subway train to Yankee Stadium for Opening Day
The 39-year-old was suspended for the entire 2014 season due to his use of performance enhancing drugs and his role in the Biogenesis scandal. Prior to spring training, he wrote a handwritten apology letter to fans, saying he takes "full responsibility for the mistakes that led to my suspension for the 2014 season."
In 19 spring training games, Rodriguez hit .267 with three home runs, four RBIs and 13 strikeouts in 45 at-bats.
• CORCORAN: Complete guide to Opening Day
Rodriguez entered the 2015 season with 654 career home runs, six shy of tying Willie Mays for No. 4 on the all-time home run list. He is scheduled to be owed the first of five $6 million payments for milestone bonuses when he ties Mays, which the Yankees are reportedly looking to avoid paying.
- Molly Geary
