Alex Rodriguez will make his 2009 season debut on Friday at Baltimore. "We're all very encouraged that he's doing well and we're all anxious to get him back," said manager Joe Girardi, who learned of the decision shortly before the Yankees wrapped up a two-game series against Tampa Bay. "We would have taken him back five weeks ago, if we could." Rodriguez had surgery March 9 to repair torn cartilage in his right hip, and has recovered more quickly than expected.