A-Rod downward spiral continues with injury

A torn labrum was discovered in A-Rod's right hip and surgery remains a real option.

Noted hip specialist Dr. Marc Philippon initially recommended surgery, according to sources, but after consulting with Philippon the Yankees announced they will at least try the more conservative option of rest and rehab. Yankees GM Brian Cashman said in Tampa that if surgery is ultimately needed, Rodriguez would be sidelined for up to four months, an ominous thought for a Yankees team that has no obvious replacement.

"If at some point it's not working and it's a problem, then the other one becomes more of a choice," Cashman said Thursday. "Right now, the route we're going is conservative." Continue