Baseball Notes: Darvish awaits third opinion

Yu Darvish and the Texas Rangers are waiting for a third opinion that they expect will confirm the ace pitcher needs season-ending elbow ligament-replacement surgery.

General manager Jon Daniels said Wednesday that David Altchek, the New York Mets' medical director and an expert in Tommy John surgery, recommended the procedure after examining Darvish on Tuesday.

The Rangers will have James Andrews review images of Darvish's elbow before making a final decision later this week.

Without a vastly different opinion from Andrews, the surgery for the 28-year-old Darvish likely will take place next week. He could be sidelined until early in the 2016 season.

Alex Rodriguez erased any personal doubts about regaining his power with one big swing.

Rodriguez hit his first home run since returning to the Yankees following a drug suspension and Chris Capuano was forced out in the first inning by a quadriceps injury in New York's 10-6 loss to the Boston Red Sox in Tampa, Fla.

"I was very happy. I haven't hit a ball like that in a long time," Rodriguez said. "Again, it's early March. We'll see what happens. You have to do that in New York, where it counts. It's definitely a building block."

Rodriguez hit a long drive to left-center on a 3-1 pitch from righthander Brandon Workman leading off the fourth inning. Rodriguez has five hits in 11 at-bats (.455) this spring training.

"Very happy," Yankees cochairman Hank Steinbrenner said. "I'm not surprised with the hitting. ... It's encouraging. Hopefully it continues."

Rodriguez has seen the number of fans booing him decrease daily. He received a partial standing ovation after his homer.

"The great reception I've been getting from the fans, that's been a pleasant surprise," Rodriguez said.

The three-time AL MVP, who turns 40 in July, has not played a full season since 2007 because of a season-long drug suspension, operations on both hips, and other injuries.

Rodriguez said a pregame talk with Yankees special adviser Gene Michael provided "good words of wisdom."

Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg will miss his scheduled spring training start against the New York Mets on Thursday because of an ingrown toenail.