TAMPA, Florida (AFP) - New York Yankees slugging third baseman Alex Rodriguez homered Saturday in a rehabilitation game, spurring hopes that he will return to the Major League Baseball team's lineup next week.

Rodriguez went 1-for-4 against Tampa Bay Rays prospect David Price in his first game action since April 28. On April 29, he was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right quadriceps.

The reigning American League Most Valuable Player, Rodriguez also played five innings at third base, recording three putouts. He said he felt no discomfort in the quad.

"I think today the mission was accomplished," Rodriguez said. "I was able to catch a couple groundballs left and right and went up to swing the bat aggressively and just go out there and feel my way in."

Rodriguez also struck out twice against Price, the top overall pick in last year's draft who is recovering from a muscle strain in his left elbow.

Rodriguez has been working out at the Yankees' minor league training facility and expects to be back in New York's lineup on Tuesday, when the Yankees begin a series against the Baltimore Orioles.

Without Rodriguez, the Yankees have gone 6-10 to lie in last place in the AL East following Saturday's 7-4 loss to the New York Mets.

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