Baseball notes: A-Rod doubles in Yanks’ finale

His tribute ended by a storm, Alex Rodriguez began his final game with the New York Yankees by hitting a run-scoring double in the first inning Friday night.

Rodriguez drove a 96 mph fastball from Tampa Bay’s Chris Archer into the right-center field gap, scoring Brett Gardner from first base and ending an 0-for-11 slide.

The 41-year-old Rodriguez clapped as he came out of the batter’s box and pumped both arms in triumph as he reached second base without a throw.

Skies darkened just as his pregame ceremony began at Yankee Stadium. With Rodriguez’s family on the field, public address announcer Paul Olden said: “Alex, you spent 12 of your 22 seasons with the Yankees” when a loud thunder crack shook the ballpark, as if ordered by a film director.

Rain started to fall during a video message from Lou Piniella, Rodriguez’s first big league manager, and the festivities ended awkwardly after 10 minutes when a downpour began. Ten minutes later, the clouds started to clear, somewhat symbolic of A-Rod’s time in New York, and a rainbow came out shortly before the first pitch.

Rodriguez received an ovation for about 30 seconds. Reggie Jackson accompanied his mom onto the field, and his daughters were escorted by former closer Mariano Rivera. Yankees co-owner Jenny Steinbrenner Swindal presented a base signed by the team and controlling owner Hal Steinbrenner gave a framed No. 13 jersey when the downpour caused the group to hustle off the field.

Mets schedule first Pride Night

Billy Bean will throw out the first pitch for Mets Pride Night. Bean came out as gay after he left the Padres in 1995.

The former player is now Major League Baseball’s vice president for social responsibility and inclusion. He’ll take part Saturday in the first Mets Pride Night in a game against the San Diego Padres.

Clearing the bases

The Twins placed left-hander Tommy Milone on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his left biceps muscle. … Cardinals’ outfielder Matt Holliday will have his broken right thumb re-examined next week to determine the best course of treatment. … The Yankees placed right-hander Nathan Eovaldi on the 15-day disabled list with a right elbow tendon injury … The Astros have activated right-hander Luke Gregerson off the disabled list and selected outfielder Teoscar Hernandez from Triple-A Fresno. … The Indians’ Carlos Santana is out for one game after he was hit in the head by a foul ball. … The Mets have recalled right-handed reliever Seth Lugo from Triple-A Las Vegas while outfielder Michael Conforto was optioned to Triple-A. … The Tigers placed shortstop Jose Iglesias on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring and recalled right-hander from Triple-A Toledo. … Minor league pitchers, Yeudy Minaya and Edwin Fidel have been suspended 56 games each for violating the minor league drug program.