Girardi calls latest A-Rod controversy an 'MLB issue'

Joe Girardi says he has no plans to address his players about reports that Alex Rodriguez allegedly tried to buy clinic documents in the Biogenesis scandal in order to get rid of evidence.

The New York Yankees manager made it clear that the latest flap involving his rehabbing third baseman is something he will distance from his club.

"It's an MLB issue," Girardi said Saturday afternoon before the Yanks game against Baltimore at the Stadium. "Do I get a memo on my desk? No, I don't get a memo on my desk."

Rodriguez, who is rehabbing from hip surgery as controversy swirls around him, is not currently around the Yankees, who began a six-game homestand Friday night, Girardi said. He made an appearance on Opening Day at the Stadium, but was not introduced to the crowd.

"He has not been around this time," Girardi said. "The last time, he was here. I have not seen him since we got back."

Meanwhile, A-Rod was spotted relaxing and sunning himself with his girlfriend Torrie Wilson in Miami on Friday.

A-Rod and Torrie Wilson in Miami

Girardi says he speaks to the embattled third baseman about once a week, though he noted that Rodriguez speaks to the club's medical personnel much more regularly.

"It's strictly rehab, how he's doing and what he's doing," Girardi said of his own conversations with A-Rod. "The last time we talked, he was in the pool doing a lot of exercising, which to me is a good sign, because it means he's making progress in his rehab."

Girardi says A-Rod is "anxious to get back. I think he wants to get back on the field. That's the area he knows the best and I think he's anxious to get on it."

Looks like his poolside tan is doing pretty good from the photos and the only controversy is using either an SPF 8 or 15.