Literally hours after Dominican Republic team manager Felipe Alou cleared Alex Rodriguez to start the season, the New York Yankees announced that “A-Rod” might sit out the World Baseball Classic (WBC) due to a hip injury.  

A-Rod will be seeing hip-specialist Dr. Marc Philippon in Vail, Colo., on Wednesday. Rodriguez has been bothered by hip sores throughout spring training.

The third-base-man underwent an MRI last Saturday, and “it showed the formation of a cyst in the right hip,” said Dr. Chris Ahmad.

Depending on the results of Rodriguez’s consultation with Dr. Philippon, the Yankee’s will announce if he is clear to play for WBC, which starts on Monday.

Many believe that A-Rod will contest the franchises decision, should they prevent him from playing. He has very strong sentiments about playing for home country. 

“We felt it was in everyone's best interest - for the team and the player - to send Alex to Dr. Philippon, who is regarded as the leading expert in his field,” said New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman. “Alex has proven his durability throughout his career and we will take every precaution and step necessary to ensure his health as we near the start of the 2009 season and beyond.”