ARod sparking Yankees' hot streak

Yanks are 20-8 since Alex's return to lineup

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com

ARod has a 1.049 OPS since May 15. (AP)

• ARod's home run Saturday »

NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez kept the clubhouse workers busy scrubbing infield clay out of his pinstriped uniform pants this weekend, serving as further evidence that the three-time Most Valuable Player is feeling more comfortable back on the field.

The Yankees have been on a roll since Rodriguez's return, posting a big league-best 20-8 record since he was reinstated from the disabled list following his March 9 right hip surgery. Rodriguez has often said that he was aggressive with his return and it will be a lengthy process, but the returns in the Rays series have been strong.

In the fourth inning on Friday, Rodriguez walked and attempted to steal second base, his first theft try of 2009, on the battery of left-hander David Price and catcher Dioner Navarro. The throw sailed into right field, so Rodriguez had to test his hip by popping right up and racing to third base.

"I was excited about attempting a stolen base; that was pretty cool," Rodriguez said. "You keep plugging away. It's a long season. I know that I'm going to be a lot better in July, August and September toward the end. Right now, I'm just trying to take it one step at a time and be patient, and take what they give me."

Rodriguez was not the star of New York's eighth-inning rally on Sunday, but his run provided the margin of victory in the Yankees' come-from-behind 4-3 win. Rodriguez worked a walk against Tampa Bay reliever Grant Balfour to load the bases, creating a foreboding situation for left-hander J.P. Howell, who watched three New York runs score on a walk, an error and a fielder's choice.

"We're battling," Rodriguez said. "The one thing I like is, every game, we're fighting to the end. We're developing good habits and some character."

Rodriguez has eight home runs and 23 RBIs in 28 games since returning, batting .275 (27-for-98) with 16 runs scored. The offensive numbers may not be at All-Star caliber, but he is pleased with the mobility he's shown in the field and on the bases.

"I think over the last few days, I've had a bare-hand play, I've slid head-first and feet-first," Rodriguez said. "I got a stolen base. I feel like every day I'm getting better, but I'm being patient with myself."

The Yankees will try to keep their winning ways going with ARod on Monday, wrapping up the three-game series with the Rays as Andy Pettitte takes the ball for New York. Pettitte will try to get on another run after suffering a loss in his last start on June 3 against the Rangers, snapping a six-start unbeaten string.

"That's the one thing about good or great starting pitching -- they just keep coming at you in waves," Rodriguez said. "Every day you come to the park, you feel like you have a really good chance of winning the game."