Yankees' Rodriguez participates in first full-squad workout

Alex Rodriguez walked into the clubhouse at the New York Yankees spring training complex, slipped on his uniform for the first time in more than a year and quietly launched his comeback from a season-long suspension caused by performance-enhancing drugs.

About 500 fans showed up at Steinbrenner Field for the team's first full-squad workout on Thursday, welcoming Rodriguez with cheers and words of encouragement.

The slugger, who hasn't played since September 2013 of the suspension, took ground balls at third base and hit three home runs in 32 swings during batting practice.

"This is a hard thing I'm trying to do," Rodriguez said, proclaiming he feels like a rookie getting a fresh start.

And while general manager Brian Cashman said the 39-year-old is "on the team," Rodriguez insisted he's approaching spring training as if he has to prove he belongs.

"It was fun. I'm just happy to be back. ... It's been a while since I've been in uniform," Rodriguez said, adding that it'll take much of spring training to determine where he stands and what he might be capable of contributing to the Yankees

"I wish it was as easy as hitting a 55 mph fastball (in batting practice). We can all look like an All-Star at that point," he said. "We'll see what happens when you have a guy throwing 95 mph."

Manager Joe Girardi also preached patience.

"I've said all along, I don't think it's fair to judge him early. When you've played as few a games as he has in the last two years, the speed of the game is what you have to get used to," the manager said, adding the workout went pretty much as he expected and decisions regarding the player's role probably won't be made until the latter part of camp.

Girardi also said he wasn't surprised by the way crowd greeted Rodriguez. In addition to cheering, many called out his name as he moved from drill to drill and in and out of the batting cage.

"Obviously, we've seen in this game where guys have been suspended or they've done things that weren't on the up and up and weren't right, and you come back and people cheer them. That's just part of being a fan," Girardi said.

"I've said to him that he needs to worry about pleasing himself in a sense, and pleasing his teammates and taking care of his job, and not worrying about the reaction he's going to get," the manager added. "I'm sure there will be boos. But it won't be the first time. He's had to deal with it, and he's been able to shut it out. The important thing is his focus is on the field and in the clubhouse."

Teammates were supportive, too.

First baseman Mark Teixeira, whose spring training locker in the same corner of the clubhouse as A-Rod's, said he is excited about his friend's return and that Rodriguez is "going to do everything possible to get himself back to being a productive player."

"I spoke to Alex, when I saw him a couple of weeks ago, it was kind of like nothing ever happened. Alex, he loves the game, he wants to play and be a great teammate," Teixeira said. "I told him, as long as you're a great teammate, we're going to love you. If he can go out there and produce for us, the fans are going to love him. That's the most important thing. He's out there playing well."

No word on possible discipline for Angels' Hamilton

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton was on the minds of his teammates Thursday, a day after he was in New York to meet with Major League Baseball officials about an unspecified disciplinary issue.

The 33-year-old Hamilton has a history of drug addiction and alcohol abuse, leading to suspensions that cost him more than three years while in the minors. The Angels have confirmed Hamilton's meeting with MLB, but have declined to give any more information.

"I don't know any of the details, so I can't talk about that. But we miss him and we hope everything works out," MVP outfielder Mike Trout said.

"I know that he's going through a lot," Trout said.

Hamilton, the 2010 AL MVP, hasn't reported to spring training in Arizona after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder earlier this month.

"He's not here in camp with us," general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "He is at home rehabbing from the surgery and we're going to leave it at that."

Hamilton already was expected to be out until after the regular season begins because of the surgery.

"We'll wait for Major League Baseball and see what the next step is. I don't think it will serve us any purpose to look too far down the road," manager Mike Scioscia said.

Hamilton is entering the third season of a five-year, $125 million contract. He is still owed $83 million: $23 million this year and $30 million in each of the next two seasons.

Hamilton has been a disappointment for the Angels, batting just .255 with 31 homers and 123 RBIs in two seasons.

Tanaka throws third bullpen session

Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka threw 40 pitches in his third bullpen session and could be ready to pitch batting practice for the first time early next week.

Tanaka missed 2 1/2 months last season with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He returned for two starts in late September, and Boston chased him with an eight-run second inning in his final outing.

"I was throwing with more force than the last bullpen," Tanaka said Thursday through an interpreter. "As far as hitting the spots as location goes, I think it was better than the last bullpen as well. I feel that I'm on track. It gives me confidence that I'm moving in the right direction."