'So far, so good,' says A-Rod as Florida workouts continue

TAMPA, Fla. -- Alex Rodriguez is making progress in his rehab from a strained right quadriceps, and the third baseman could rejoin New York Yankees late next week.

"So far, so good," Rodriguez said Saturday.

The three-time AL MVP is scheduled for an MRI on Monday and is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Thursday.

"I don't want to speculate," Rodriguez said when asked if could return then.

If he gets the go-ahead after his MRI he could be cleared to start playing rehab games in extended spring training.

On Saturday, Rodriguez took 65 swings in batting practice and fielded 31 grounders at third base during his second injury rehabilitation workout at the Yankees' minor league complex. He is also running in the outfield.

Catcher Jorge Posada took batting practice for the second time since going on the DL on April 28 with right rotator cuff tendinitis. The switch-hitter remains on target to start a light throwing program Monday.

"It's coming around good," said Posada, who is expected to be out at least another month.

Right-hander Jeff Karstens, sidelined since straining his right groin March 27, allowed one run -- on a homer -- and two hits over three innings in his first extended spring training start. The front-runner for the long man role out of the bullpen before getting hurt in his last scheduled spring training appearance, Karstens struck out three, walked one and hit a batter.

Right-hander Carl Pavano (elbow surgery) is throwing at 60-feet on level ground and could start working off a half-mound late this month. Humberto Sanchez (elbow surgery) is throwing off a mound and could face hitters in two weeks.