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Rodriguez makes return from DL vs. Orioles

May 20, 2008 - 1:06 PM Baltimore (23-20) at NY Yankees (20-24) 7:05 pm EDT

BRONX, New York (Ticker) - Reigning American League MVP Alex Rodriguez makes his long-awaited return from the disabled list on Tuesday when the New York Yankees open a three-game set against the Baltimore Orioles.

Sidelined since April 28 with a right quadriceps strain, Rodriguez joins a lineup that has struggled in his absence. New York has scored two or fewer runs in five of their last six games.

The Yankees, who have finished first or second in the league in scoring every year since 2004, are currently tied with Baltimore for 25th place in runs scored.

Rodriguez, who was hitting .286 with four homers and 11 RBI this season before his first DL stint since 2000, should only provide more support for Mike Mussina (6-3, 3.99 ERA), who hasn't needed much help lately.

The righthander, who spent the first 10 seasons of his career with Baltimore, is 5-0 with a 2.76 ERA over his last five starts, including Wednesday's 2-1 win over Tampa Bay in which he allowed a run and five hits over 6 1/3 innings.

He opposed by Daniel Cabrera (4-1, 3.58), who is enjoying one of his finest seasons. The righthander, who led the AL in walks each of the past two seasons, has issued just 16 through nine starts.

He collected his second win in as many starts in Wednesday's 6-3 win over Boston, permitting three runs and 10 hits over seven frames.