The New York Yankees are expected to further reduce Alex Rodriguez's playing time.

"In maybe the near future, do I see him getting a ton of at-bats? No, I probably don't because of some of the changes that we're possibly going to make here," Joe Girardi said. "We're going to take a look at probably some younger players here a little bit, see if we can add to some of the struggles we've had offensively and see if they can be some big bats in the lineup."

Rodriguez has one more year and $20 million left on his contract. Talk of his possible release heated up Monday when a New York tabloid, citing unnamed sources, said Rodriguez "could be released'' before the end of the season.

"No matter what happens I'm at peace with myself," said Rodriguez, who was not in the starting lineup for Tuesday night's game against the Mets and has started only one game since July 22. "I think I still can contribute. I think I can help out in the clubhouse. But If not I have two beautiful daughters waiting for me in Miami."