The New York Yankees star third baseman Alex Rodriguez could miss the entire 2013 Major League Baseball season as he recovers from left hip surgery.
Team general manager Brian Cashman says he's confident 37-year-old Rodriguez will meet his projected six-month timetable for returning to the Yankees' line-up but admitted a worst-case scenario was possible as well.
Rodriguez, a three-time American League Most Valuable Player, underwent an arthroscopic procedure last week.
Rodriguez batted .272 with 18 home runs and 57 runs batted in more than 120 games last season.
The Yankees signed a one-year deal last month with Kevin Youkilis, a one-time standout for arch-rival Boston, to handle third-base duties until Rodriguez is healthy enough to return.
