"Alex Rodriguez dropped his head, convinced he had flied out in the sixth inning. Only moments later did he realize that he had just homered for the first time since returning to the lineup after spraining his thumb.

"It was a fly ball to right," he said. "I got very lucky that ball sailed over the fence. I couldn't believe it."

The sprained thumb cost him six straight games before returning Saturday. He is also fresh from a two-month stint on the disabled list. The time off has led to some rust. Yet Rodriguez believes he has enough time to regain his rhythm at the plate before the postseason.

"I'm right where I need to be and we have plenty of time," Rodriguez said after helping the Yankees to a 9-3 win over Toronto Sunday afternoon. "We're down the stretch, and I'll be ready.""