Alex Rodriguez breaks Lou Gehrig’s A.L. record for career runs batted in
Alex Rodriguez checked off another age-old milestone in a comeback season that’s surpassing almost anyone’s expectations.
The three-time MVP hit a three-run homer to break Lou Gehrig’s American League record for RBIs, and the New York Yankees beat the visiting Kansas City Royals 4-2 Wednesday to finish a three-game sweep.
“I haven’t played a lot of baseball in the last two years, but I feel like I’m in a good place. I’m happy. I’m having fun,” said the 39-year-old Rodriguez, who sat out last season while serving a drug suspension.
“I think for me in a weird way the time off was a blessing in disguise. I was able to get some rest, change my workout regimen a little bit. I just feel like I’m in a better place and more explosive than I’ve been.”
Earlier this season, A-Rod passed Willie Mays (660) for fourth place on the career home run list. With No. 665 on Wednesday, he ended his season-worst homer drought at eight games and increased his career total to 1,995 RBIs. The Yankees said that’s two more than Gehrig gets credit for from the Elias Sports Bureau, baseball’s official statistician.
Records get tricky when it comes to runs batted in, partly because RBIs did not become an official stat until 1920. So while baseball-reference.com lists Gehrig with 1,995 RBIs and Babe Ruth with 2,214, Elias puts Rodriguez ahead of both of them and behind only Barry Bonds (1,996) and Hank Aaron (2,297). According to b-r, Ruth recorded 224 RBIs before 1920.
Rodriguez’s 11th homer of the season plus a single in the seventh left him 19 hits shy of 3,000.
Aviles appreciates support
Cleveland Indians infielder Mike Aviles is touched by the show of support he’s getting from teammates for his 4-year-old daughter, who was diagnosed with leukemia this month.
Several Indians players and coaches have shaved their heads to support Aviles and Adriana, who returned home after treatment at the Cleveland Clinic.
“It means a lot for me,” Aviles said. “It shows I’m kind of liked, or my daughter is, anyway. In all honesty, it’s kind of cool when you have your whole team on your side.”
Aviles shaved his head soon after his daughter entered the hospital.
Clearing the bases
The Orioles signed Cuban LHP Ariel Miranda to a minor league contract. The 25-year-old Miranda will report to the team’s minor league facility in Sarasota, Florida. … The Dodgers dealt 3B Juan Uribe to the Braves in a six-player trade. The Dodgers also sent RHP Chris Withrow to the Braves for INF Alberto Callaspo, LHPs Eric Stults and Ian Thomas, and minor league RHP Juan Jaime. … Josh Hamilton singled in the seventh inning for his first hit since returning to the Rangers. Hamilton was, hitless in his first nine at-bats. … The Cardinals placed 1 B Matt Adams on the 15-day DL with a strained right quadriceps. … The Angels have acquired OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis from the Mets for cash considerations. … Orioles OF Alejandro De Aza has been designated for assignment after INF Ryan Flaherty was activated from the 15-day DL.