Yankees Win Despite No A-Rod

The New York Yankees defeated the Florida Marlins 5-1 on Friday night despite the fact that All-Star third baseman Alex Rodriguez didn't play.

Joe Giardi elected to sit Rodriguez for the first two games of the series citing "fatigue".

That is a pretty good adjective to explain how Yankee fans feel about A-Rod performance as of late.

Rodriguez is batting .145 (8 for 55) in June. He's in a 0-for-15 slump, and is hitting .212 with nine home runs and 26 RBIs.

Apparently Rodriguez, who was returning to his home of Miami for the first time this season, had booked over 100 tickets for friends and family. Lucky for them they didn't have to show up and watch his play.

Rodriguez, who started the year on the Disabled list following hip surgery, has played every game for the Yankees since his return on May 8. Originally following his surgery the doctor said it would be necessary for Rodriguez to take between 5-8 days off during his first 45 game's back.

Angel Berroa, who went 1-4 with an RBI double, replaced him in the lineup Friday.

Hopefully this opportunity to rest will allow A-Rod to gather his thoughts and rebuild his energy. His swing has certainly been slow as of late, and his inability to deliver in clutch situations remains an issue.

Expect Rodriguez back in the lineup Sunday, where the Yankees will conclude their three game series with the Marlins.