Yankees third baseman and national lightning rod Alex Rodriguez finally has a firm timetable in mind for his return to the club's lineup. And it's as long as it can possibly be with a minor-league rehab assignment.

According to the Associated Press, A-Rod said he will need all 20 games -- the maximum allowed during a continual rehab assignment -- before returning to the Yankees' lineup.

So, barring a setback, A-Rod is less than a month from returning.