A-Rod questionable for World Baseball Classic

An ailing right hip might keep Alex Rodriguez from playing in the World Baseball Classic, the New York Yankees have announced.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi says the club is being cautious with Rodriguez's right hip because he had some problems with it last season.

Girardi said Rodriguez, 33, felt some stiffness but no pain following a tune-up for the WBC on Tuesday with the Dominican Republic. The team opens the tournament Saturday against the Netherlands in Puerto Rico.

The Yankees announced Tuesday that Rodriguez would have his hip checked Wednesday afternoon by a specialist in Colorado.

"We just thought it was best because he had some minor issues last year with it," said Girardi. "We'll have a better idea after today with what the course of plan is."

On Saturday an exam revealed A-Rod has a cyst in his hip.

"He's been able to play, and play at a high level," said Girardi. "It hasn't kept him from doing anything. It hasn't kept him from driving the baseball. That's the good thing."

If Rodriguez isn't permitted to play in the WBC, it's likely he would return to camp with the Yankees, the club reported.