A-Rod: I can't wait to rejoin 'great' Yankees team

One day after being spotted outside a Manhattan restaurant for the first time since his name was linked to the Biogenesis scandal — an anti-aging clinic being investigated by MLB for performance-enhancing drugs — Alex Rodriguez issued a statement saying he is getting ready to rejoin his Yankees teammates but didn't address the PED accusations.

"Right now I’m dedicating 100% of my energy and focus on my rehabilitation. I am conducting two rehab sessions each and every day in an effort to get back on the field and rejoin my Yankees teammates," Rodriguez said in his statement. "I think we have a great team and I want to be a part of it."

The 37-year-old A-Rod is expected to be out until midseason after surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left hip. Some experts think his return could take longer.

Right after the Jan. 16 operation, The Miami News Times reported that records from the Biogenesis clinic were uncovered alleging that Rodriguez purchased PEDs over the course of four years.  The facility is under investigation by MLB.

A-Rod's statement didn't mention the PED controversy but his spokesman reiterated  that the Yankees third baseman is currently "working on rehabilitating his surgically repaired hip under the supervision of Dr. Brian (sic) Kelly and his trainer Pete Draovitch."

On Wednesday, A-Rod was photographed hobbling out of of the Atlantic Grill seafood eatery with his girlfriend Torrie Wilson, but clammed up when reporters approached. 

The Yankees $114 million hardball and chain has denied he got PEDs from Anthony Bosch — the clinic's owner — through his spokesman, but A-Rod still has not yet addressed the matter publicly himself.

Yankee manager Joe Girardi said Rodriguez would not be joining his teammates in Tampa for spring training while he rehabs.