Alex Rodriguez's road back to the Bronx and the Yankees starting lineup goes through Trenton as a decision looms over his future as a major league baseball player.

Arm and Hammer Field, home of the Trenton Thunder
Arm and Hammer Field, home of the Trenton Thunder (Dave Polaski, Townsquare Media NJ)
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A-Rod will report to the Trenton Thunder, the Yankees Double A affiliate, for games on Friday and Saturday and then rejoin the team on Monday in Chicago when the Yankees take on the White Sox.

Manager Tony Franklin tells the Trentonian he expects Rodriguez to play five innings at third base and bat second as the Thunder host Reading at Arm & Hammer Park.
However, Rodriguez's comeback journey could also end in Trenton  It appears Major League Baseball will suspend the three-time MVP in coming days for ties to Biogenesis of America, a closed Florida anti-aging clinic accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs.

Looming playoffs could force an end to negotiations in baseball's latest drug scandal as pressure builds to impose penalties so stars can still make the postseason.

Monday appears to be the deadline for Alex Rodriguez and 13 others to accept suspensions for their ties to the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic. While A-Rod is expected to get a lengthy ban, a penalty starting that day would allow Texas All-Star outfielder Nelson Cruz to return for October.

A person familiar with the process tells The Associated Press that Major League Baseball is prepared to issue two simultaneous announcements no later than Monday. . One would list players who accept suspensions; the other would name those disciplined without deals, but who could challenge penalties before an arbitrator.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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