By The Associated Press

Published: Tuesday, February 12, 2013, 8:06 p.m.
Updated: Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Alex Rodriguez will not report to spring training with the Yankees' position players and will work on his rehabilitation from hip surgery in New York.

The third baseman is expected to be sidelined until at least the All-Star break following the Jan. 16 operation.

“I spoke to him last week. He was still barely, I think, on the crutches,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Tuesday during his opening spring-training remarks. “There's not a lot that he can do here.”

The Miami New Times last month published records that allege Rodriguez purchased performance-enhancing substances in recent years from Biogenesis of America LLC, a now-closed clinic in Coral Gables, Fla., near Rodriguez's offseason home.

Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez and Mariners catcher Jose Montero on Tuesday also denied reports they received PEDs from the same clinic.

Rolen's future uncertain

Third baseman Scott Rolen declined the Cincinnati Reds' offer to attend spring training, but he stopped short of saying he's ready to retire.

The seven-time All-Star informed the team of his decision Tuesday, when Reds pitchers and catchers reported for the start of camp. Rolen, who turns 38 on April 4, had been mulling an offer to fill a reserve role with the NL Central champions.

He's been limited each of the last three seasons by chronic problems with his left shoulder and back spasms.

“Right now, I'm simply not ready to make a commitment,” Rolen said in a statement released by the team. “I would like to leave my options open, without closing any doors. I am looking forward to all of the challenges, both personally and professionally, I will face in the future.”

Reds sign Latos

Right-hander Mat Latos agreed to an $11.5 million, two-year contract with Cincinnati, avoiding what would have been baseball's first salary arbitration hearing of the year.

Latos will receive salaries of $4.25 million this year and $7.25 million in 2014.

Cincinnati obtained Latos from San Diego before the 2012 season. He solidified a rotation that was one of the NL's best, helping the Reds win the NL Central for the second time in three seasons. Latos went 14-4 with a 3.48 ERA and two complete games in 33 starts.

Hernandez deal sealed

Felix Hernandez and Seattle finally reached agreement on a contract that is expected to make the Mariners ace the highest-paid pitcher in baseball.

Hernandez's deal is expected to be for $175 million over seven years. Terms of the contract were not released by the team. Hernandez and GM Jack Zduriencik will hold a news conference in Seattle on Wednesday afternoon where Hernandez is expected to sign the contract.

The new contract will encompass the final two years of his current deal that is scheduled to pay Hernandez $40.5 million in 2013 and 2014. He'll receive $134.5 million over the additional five years.

Mets closer still hurting

Even on the day before their first spring training workout, the New York Mets had bad news.

Closer Frank Francisco has been bothered by the same elbow inflammation that ended his 2012 season Sept. 16.

Mets manager Terry Collins said that Bobby Parnell and Brandon Lyon will be given the first chance to take over the closer's job.

Royals complete trade

Kansas City acquired utility player Elliott Johnson from the Rays as the player to be named in the Dec. 9 trade that sent James Shields and Wade Davis to Kansas City for top prospects Wil Myers and Jake Odorizzi, and two other minor leaguers.

The switch-hitting Johnson batted .242 with 10 doubles, six homers, 33 RBI and 18 steals last year with the Rays.

The 29-year-old started 68 games at shortstop and also played second, third and the outfield.

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