updated 1:31 p.m. ET May 9, 2008

TAMPA, Fla. - Alex Rodriguez took 57 swings in batting practice and fielded 31 grounders at third base during his first injury rehabilitation workout Friday at the New York Yankees’ minor league complex.

Rodriguez is on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right quadriceps. The three-time AL MVP, who resumed on-field workouts Wednesday at Yankee Stadium, could rejoin the team late next week.

A Rod hit several long homers, including a pair that went over the center-field back drop. He also ran in the outfield.

Rodriguez said the session went “good” and gave a thumb’s up as left the field for the clubhouse.

Catcher Jorge Posada took batting practice for the first time since going on the DL on April 28 with right rotator cuff tendinitis. The switch-hitter took 28 swings right-handed and 26 from the left side. Posada, expected to be out at least another month, could start a light throwing program early next week.

Right-hander Jeff Karstens, sidelined since straining his right groin March 27, could pitch in an extended spring training game Saturday. He was the front-runner for the long man role out of the bullpen before getting hurt in his last scheduled spring training appearance.

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

Yanks short-term winners in Vazquez deal Yankees trade Cabrera for Javier Vazquez CTB: Cashman appears to rule out Damon, Holliday Yankees only team to pay luxury tax for 2009 CTB: Four teams going after Jason Bay? Really? NH woman convicted in Sox-Yankees killing trial Nationals, Marquis finalize $15M, 2-year deal APNewsBreak: MLB, umps likely to announce deal Remaining Free Agents List Circling the Bases: Blogging on news, rumors, buzz Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: