Boston
Red Sox star David Ortiz limped off in the ninth inning after fouling a pitch off his right shin.
The 40-year-old designated hitter, who has announced he will retire after this season, fouled a pitch from Dellin Betances off the shin in the ninth inning and was replaced by pinch-hitter Bryce Brentz, who struck out.
Ortiz needed assistance walking off the field and down the dugout steps.
Rodriguez has just one start and eight at-bats in 17 games since July 22 as New York traded veterans and turned toward a youth movement.
Chants of “We Want A-Rod!” echoed around the park at the start of the seventh. He was greeted by loud boos when he stepped out of the dugout to face Matt Barnes. They were louder when he was announced and again when he trotted back to the dugout after his flyout to right field, which dropped his batting average to .203 and extended his slump to 4 for 37 (.108).
Rodriguez had not appeared in a game since Aug. 2.
Rookie Gary Sanchez had four hits, including his first major league home run. Didi Gregorius also homered for New York, which overcame a 4-1 deficit, and Fernando Abad (1-6) gave up Starlin Castro’s two-run double that capped a five-run seventh.
Tyler Clippard (1-0) pitched one inning for his first victory with the Yankees since being acquired from Arizona last week. New York used seven relievers after starter Nathan Eovaldi left with right elbow discomfort after one inning.
Mookie Betts had two doubles for Boston before leaving with right calf tightness.
At the beginning of his pregame media session, Girardi said Rodriguez will be in the starting lineup tonight despite Boston scratching knuckleballer Steven Wright.
New York said Sunday that Rodriguez, a 41-year-old designated hitter with 696 home runs, will be released following Friday’s homestand opener against Tampa Bay.