From Newsday

A-Rod to start light activities

BY KAT O'BRIEN | kat.obrien@newsday.com; Staff writer Ken Davidoff contributed t

May 7, 2008

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Alex Rodriguez is expected to participate in his first baseball activities in more than a week today.

Rodriguez, who went on the disabled list April 30 with a Grade 2 strain of his right quadriceps, will do some light activities.

"It's been that week that we talked about," manager Joe Girardi said. "[He could] possibly start to do some more functional stuff where he might take some swings."

It is Rodriguez's first DL stint since July 2000, when he was with the Mariners. He hurt his quad April 20 in Baltimore. After sitting out three games, two of which he missed because of his daughter's birth, he returned to action. Rodriguez reinjured the quad three days later.

Asked if he will have Rodriguez sit an extra day this time after he says he is ready to play, Girardi said: "Yes, yes and yes."

Girardi said it will be up to Rodriguez if he needs a rehab assignment.

Igawa to start

Girardi made it official that Kei Igawa is replacing Ian Kennedy in the rotation. Igawa is 3-3 with a 3.86 ERA in seven starts at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He has 40 strikeouts and only 12 walks in 39 2/3 innings. He will pitch Friday, and Darrell Rasner will pitch Saturday.

Farnsworth's appeal

Kyle Farnsworth had the appeal heard for his three-game suspension, which was issued for throwing behind Manny Ramirez's head last month. The suspension is unlikely to be reduced, but no decision has been made by MLB discipline head Bob Watson.

Betemit activated

Wilson Betemit (corneal conjunctivitis) was activated from the disabled list. Both he and Girardi believe his impaired vision had a strong negative effect on his offense last month.

News and notes

Giants assistant coaches Steve Spagnuolo (defensive coordinator), Kevin Gilbride (offensive coordinator) and Jerry Palmieri (strength and conditioning coach) were guests of Girardi during batting practice.

Staff writer Ken Davidoff contributed to this notebook.