Alex Rodriguez to retire after 2017 season

Alex Rodriguez has revealed that he will retire from baseball after his contract expires at the conclusion of the 2017 season. Rodriguez dropped the unsurprising news to Andrew Marchand of ESPN.

After his baseball career is over, Rodriguez has expressed interest in broadcasting or even returning to the field as a coach. Many of his current and former players, as well as the media, have raved about how smart and intelligent he is about the game. Alex also worked the World Series this past year for FOX.

Notable Statistics: 

• 687 home runs
• 3,070 hits
• 2,055 runs batted in

Video: Ben Gamel makes incredible catch

Ben Gamel is #Superfly pic.twitter.com/340cRSNWMD

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) March 10, 2016

Ben Gamel made a beauty of a catch to rob Russell Martin of extra bases in an exhibition game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Check out the best catch of the spring thus far above.

Tanaka throws two scoreless innings vs Phillies

Off to a great start this spring is Masahiro Tanaka as he threw two scoreless innings today against the Phillies, which was his first start of the year. There has been some concern about whether or not Tanaka will be ready for Opening Day after undergoing offseason surgery on his right elbow to remove bone spur. The Yankees should be feeling a little more confident about him being ready after witnessing a pain free and smooth outing from their ace today.

Tanaka used only 15 pitches to get through two innings on Sunday. He struck out two, walked one, and allowed two hits in his outing.

When asked about being ready for Opening Day, Tanaka stated "That's basically the goal. That's what I'm trying to do."

It has not yet been announced when Tanaka will make his next spring start.

Video: Jorge Mateo launches first spring home run

Jorge Mateo introduces this baseball to the scoreboard: https://t.co/PhHOPIQK8X #NYYSpring pic.twitter.com/velCW2u4TN

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 5, 2016

The number one prospect in the Yankees farm system, Jorge Mateo, his his first home run of the spring against the Red Sox on Saturday. Check out the video above of the future Yankee shortstop absolutely tagging one out to left.

Masahiro Tanaka to make spring debut Sunday

Yankees fans will be able to get their first look at Masahiro Tanaka on Sunday when he makes his first start of the spring against the Phillies. Tanaka underwent offseason elbow surgery to remove bone spur from his right elbow back in October.

The probable pitchers for the weekend and into next week are as followed:

Sunday, March 6th: Masahiro Tanaka vs Phillies
Monday, March 7th: Michael Pineda vs Astros
Tuesday, March 8th: C.C. Sabathia vs Marlins
Wednesday March 9th: Ivan Nova vs Mets
Thursday, March 10th: Nathan Eovaldi vs Blue Jays

Video: Alex Rodriguez's Spring Training Home Run

With his first Spring Training swing, Alex Rodriguez took a pitch deep to left field and out for a two-run home run. Check out the sweet swing below.

#Yankees A-Bomb Alex Rodriguez conecta cuadrangular en su primer turno del #ST16 pic.twitter.com/sujL076g6w

— MeGustanLosDeportes (@GustanDeportes) March 3, 2016 

Aroldis Chapman Suspended

Major League Baseball have announced that Aroldis Chapman will be suspended for 30 games due to a domestic violence incident that happened over the offseason. The suspension does not include Spring Training games and will be in effect at the start of the regular season.

Chapman has publicly stated that he will appeal a suspension, however, he went against the statement and will own up to his actions and serve his suspension.

The Yankees bullpen has been labeled the best in all of baseball after acquiring Chapman on December 29th from the Cincinnati Reds.