Would the Yankees have preferred that Alex Rodriguez have played thru an entire game against Baltimore Thursday night rather than make his exit in the middle of the first inning? The Daily News’ Mark Feisand claims there’s a whispering campaign regarding A-Rod’s availability or lack thereof.

Privately, some Yankees officials were “furious” with Rodriguez, according to a source, for not informing Joe Girardi that his groin area had tightened up after batting practice – especially since A-Rod gave Pena the heads-up to be ready.

“Would I have done anything different? I don’t know,” Girardi said. “I would have had to have a talk with him and see what he told me. Maybe I would have changed the lineup, but Alex thought he could go.”

When Rodriguez first informed the Yankees of his hip problem last year, he said he felt tightness and not pain – the same symptoms he has described during the past five days. Although last year’s issue led to his hip surgery, A-Rod insists he’s not concerned about a repeat.

The hip flexor tendinitis appeared to be good news for the Yankees in the short-term, but what about the long-term? If the hip isn’t an issue, why is Dr. Marc Philippon – the surgeon that operated on A-Rod’s hip last year – being consulted on this situation?