Alex Rodriguez could rejoin the New York Yankees within 10 days, according to the doctor who operated on his hip March 9.

Dr. Marc Philippon watched the three-time AL MVP's on-field workout yesterday at the Yankees minor league complex in Tampa, Fla., and said Rodriguez could return to the majors ahead of his May 15 target date.

"He's looking good. Looking awesome," Philippon said.

Rodriguez hit in a simulated game for the second consecutive day, facing minor league pitchers Christian Garcia and Kai Liu.

Rodriguez slid five times on a sliding mat for the second time, ran the bases and took 112 swings in regular batting practice.

Philippon said after watching yesterday's session that "it's crystal clear" that Rodriguez will be strong when he returns to the Yankees.

Rodriguez, a third baseman, is expected to start playing in extended spring training games this week.

ELSEWHERE

ATHLETICS:

Oakland put infielders Nomar Garciaparra and Mark Ellis on the 15-day disabled list with calf injuries. Garciaparra and Ellis came up lame in Tuesday night's 5-4 loss to Texas. Oakland called up infielder Eric Patterson and right-hander Kevin Cameron from Triple-A Sacramento.

INDIANS:

Cleveland designated hitter Travis Hafner was placed on the disabled list with a sore right shoulder, an injury that limited him to 57 games last season. He is batting .270 with four homers and eight RBIs in 17 games.

BRAVES:

Atlanta right-hander Kenshin Kawakami has fatigue in his pitching shoulder and his next start has been pushed back three days to Tuesday. Kawakami is 1-3 with a 7.06 ERA.

RED SOX:

First baseman Kevin Youkilis (back) and right fielder J.D. Drew (left quadriceps) were out of Boston's lineup for last night's game against Cleveland. Neither injury is considered serious.