Yankees set up news conference for Alex Rodriguez, but give no details as to why

The New York Yankees announced they will hold a news conference with Alex Rodriguez before Sunday’s game against Cleveland at Yankee Stadium.

The team provided no details, but published reports speculated on the possibilities the 41-year-old designated hitter may announce his retirement or be released by the club.

Rodriguez, who has 696 career home runs but has had just seven at-bats since July 22, is owed a $20-million salary this year and $20 million in 2017, the final season of a 10-year, $275 million contract.

A-Rod has had only one start and seven at-bats in 14 games since July 22 as New York traded veterans Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller, Carlos Beltran and Ivan Nova, turning toward a youth movement. He is in a four for 36 (.111) slump and has struck out in five of his last six at-bats.

Rodriguez has just two home runs since June 3, leaving his career total at 696. He trails only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755) and Babe Ruth (714) on the career list.

Etc.

Detroit third baseman Nick Castellanos will miss at least a month because of a fractured left hand suffered Friday. . . . Washington put first baseman Ryan Zimmerman on the disabled list with a bruised left wrist. . . . Seattle made two trades for relief pitchers, getting right-hander Arquimedes Caminero from Pittsburgh and switch-pitcher Pat Venditte from Toronto for players to be named. . . . Miami acquired rookie left-hander Hunter Cervenka from Atlanta for two minor leaguers.