Yankees place Alex Rodriguez on 60-day disabled list

In an expected move, the New York Yankees have placed third baseman Alex Rodriguez on the 60-day disabled list, according to the team's transactions page.

Rodriguez was placed on the 60-day DL to make room on the Yankees' roster for Shawn Kelley, who was acquired from the Seattle Mariners yesterday in exchange for outfielder Abraham Almonte.

The Yankees have yet to rule Rodriguez out for the 2013 season. General manager Brian Cashman has said that the best case scenario would have Rodriguez back around the All-Star break. However, he did admit that there's a chance the veteran could miss the entire season as he recovers from surgery to repair his hip impingement.

These statements were followed by reports that Rodriguez would never play again for the Yankees. Sources characterized the third baseman's condition as career-threatening, saying that Rodriguez would be left in such a diminished role that he would have to consider a settlement with New York or outright retirement.

Rodriguez has since said that he has no plans of retiring. The 37-year-old is still under contract through the 2017 season, as he's set to earn another $114 million.

Rodriguez's season totals have been in decline since he was named American League MVP in 2007. Last year he finished the season hitting .272/.353/.430 with 17 doubles and 18 home runs. He struggled during the playoffs to the point where he was hit for and eventually benched.