Injured Alex Rodriguez is hoping to rejoin the New York Yankees early next week.

"We're aiming for Tuesday at home," Rodriguez said after working out at the team's minor league complex in Tampa, Fla. "You've got to be smart, so it's a good way to go."

The All-Star third baseman is on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right quadriceps. He hasn't played since April 28 and is eligible to come off the DL this Thursday.

"Everyday it's much better," he said Tuesday.

Rodriguez, hitting .286 with four home runs and 11 RBIs, will miss the series this weekend against the crosstown rival New York Mets. He might be ready to play in extended spring training games this weekend.

Cards figure Molina will pay a price

The St. Louis Cardinals are expecting Yadier Molina to be disciplined for his antics.

After the catcher was ejected for complaining about a ball called on Milwaukee's Corey Hart during the fifth inning of an 8-3 loss Monday night, Molina protested by taking off his gear and leaving it in a pile at the feet of plate umpire Paul Schrieber.

"We'll hear something," manager Tony La Russa said Tuesday before the Cardinals began a six-game homestand.

"Well, I thought it was a pretty good show," said pitching coach Dave Duncan, a former catcher who said he was never ejected during his playing career.

White Sox bring Fisk back on board

Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk is returning to the Chicago White Sox as a team ambassador.

Fisk played for the Boston Red Sox and for the White Sox. He is going to be honored during "Welcome Back Carlton Fisk Night" on May 22 at U.S. Cellular Field, the White Sox said Tuesday.

SHORT HOPS: Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona left the team and will miss the first two games of his team's series at Baltimore because of the death of his mother-in-law.

* Designated hitter Milton Bradley was out of the Texas Rangers' starting lineup against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night because of a sore right shoulder.

* Melvin Mora was struck in the shoulder by a baseball during warm-ups Tuesday and was scratched from the Baltimore Orioles' starting lineup against the Boston Red Sox.