Alex Rodriguez returns to the disabled list, this time with a mildly strained quadriceps muscle. Alex thought he could play:

“I spoke to [Yankees GM Brian] Cashman, Girardi and the plan is pretty much as scheduled as 20 days ago with one exception: get an MRI, get on a flight to Texas, probably get a workout tomorrow and strap it on Tuesday,” Rodriguez said. “I do feel confident, between the MRI and having whole staff sign off, and we’ll play Tuesday. I think that’s all we can do.”

Instead, Rodriguez joins the long list of players who have been re-injured this season. Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Curtis Granderson and Kevin Youkilis have all gone on the DL twice. Teixeira is done for the season, and Youkilis likely is, too.

The generous interpretation is that the Yankees saw so many of their players re-injured this season, they didn’t want Alex getting hurt worse if he came back and played. The less generous interpretation is that the Yankees want Alex injured as long as possible so they can collect insurance money. My guess, given what happened to Derek Jeter, is that the first scenario is more likely.