Rodriguez Homers in Florida Spring Game

Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez went 1 for 4 with a solo homer yesterday in his first extended spring training game in St. Petersburg, Fla.

It was his first game since being sidelined by a strained right quadriceps on April 28. Rodriguez batted five times against David Price, taken first overall in last year's amateur draft by the Rays. Rodriguez hit a long opposite-field homer to right on a 95-mph fastball, walked once, flew out and struck out twice.

"It felt good," said Rodriguez, who played four innings at third. "Just wanted to get back into the box. Today, mission was accomplished."

Rodriguez is scheduled to take part in a simulated game today and play in another extended spring game tomorrow. Barring any setbacks, he will rejoin the Yankees on Tuesday.

· WEARING THIN: These are trying times for Jason Giambi-- apparently not even lucky underwear can help his undersize batting average.

The Yankees' first baseman caused a bit of a stir yesterday when the Daily News reported -- on the front page, no less -- that he often wears a gold thong under his uniform pants when trying to snap out of a slump.

"I was blown away," Yankees broadcaster and former big league RHP David Cone said with a smile. "You've got to be pretty confident in yourself to let that one out."

Giambi, who went 2 for 4 with a homer to raise his average to .193, has kept the shiny thong in his locker since he played for the Athletics. Several teammates acknowledged they've tried wearing it, too, including Yankees captain Derek Jeter and OF Johnny Damon.

Before yesterday's Subway Series game against the Mets, a sign on RHP Mike Mussina's locker read, "Pitchers need thongs too."

Added Mets Manager Willie Randolph: "Giambi's a little freaky. I wouldn't go there."

· WORKING IT OUT: Cleveland's Joe Borowski is scheduled to pitch an inning for Class A Lake County on a rehab assignment tomorrow, then throw again on Wednesday. Borowski has been on the disabled list with a strained right triceps. . . .

Boston RHP Curt Schilling, rehabbing from shoulder weakness since spring training, threw from 90 feet Friday.

-- From News Services