Alex Rodriguez was outspoken following his latest rehab outing with the Trenton Thunder, his comments hinting that he blames the Yankees front office for playing a role in MLB's efforts to ban him from the game.
Speaking to the media in this video from Nick Peruffo of the Trentonian, Rodriguez said there was a "pink elephant in the room" after being asked if why felt he was being singled out and alluded to efforts by the Yankees to avoid paying him.
"When all the stuff is going on in the background and people are finding creative ways to cancel contracts and stuff like that, that's concerning for me."
Here's the key video with that quote and more:
"I will say this. There is more than one party that benefits from me not ever stepping back on the field."
Rodriguez doesn't specifically state that he believes the Yankees are working to keep him from playing, but actions taken by GM Brian Cashman and the Yankees front office seem implied in these comments. The Yankees still owe Rodriquez more than $100 million in salary on his contract, which extends through 2017.
Rodriguez also told the media in Trenton that he was ready to return to the field for the Yankees. He homered in the game, drew a walk and handled the two plays that came his way at third base. He said he is excited about how his body was reacting to rehab and that he hoped to play for "five more years."
More from SB Nation:
• David Roth: On Alex Rodriguez, the performance artist
• Report: MLB sets deadline of Sunday for Biogenesis pleas
• Grant Brisbee: In search of baseball’s dumbest rule