Joe Giza / Reuters

Alex Rodriguez leaves the field with assistant trainer Steve Donahue on April 20.

updated 1:31 p.m. ET May 9, 2008

TAMPA, Fla. - Alex Rodriguez took 57 swings in batting practice and fielded 31 grounders at third base during his first injury rehabilitation workout Friday at the New York Yankees’ minor league complex.

Rodriguez is on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right quadriceps. The three-time AL MVP, who resumed on-field workouts Wednesday at Yankee Stadium, could rejoin the team late next week.

A Rod hit several long homers, including a pair that went over the center-field back drop. He also ran in the outfield.

Rodriguez said the session went “good” and gave a thumb’s up as left the field for the clubhouse.

Catcher Jorge Posada took batting practice for the first time since going on the DL on April 28 with right rotator cuff tendinitis. The switch-hitter took 28 swings right-handed and 26 from the left side. Posada, expected to be out at least another month, could start a light throwing program early next week.

Right-hander Jeff Karstens, sidelined since straining his right groin March 27, could pitch in an extended spring training game Saturday. He was the front-runner for the long man role out of the bullpen before getting hurt in his last scheduled spring training appearance.

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