Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has added sliding to his rehabilitation program, inching him ever closer to his return to the team's lineup. "He had a good day," manager Joe Girardi said Tuesday. "That's a good sign, so we'll wait and see how he feels tomorrow." A-Rod slid five times and took 15 at-bats in live batting practice in Tampa, marking two firsts since he began baseball workouts two weeks ago. May 15 is the official date that the Yankees have listed for his return following hip surgery, but May 8 is looking realistic as well. "Alex understands that we need to have him back as close to 100% as possible where he can play every day," Girardi said. "We've reminded him, 'Don't rush, don't rush,' and I think he understands that. He doesn't want to go on the DL again, have a setback and miss another three weeks instead of taking an extra two or three days."