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          Alex Rodriguez's request to play third base on Friday turned down

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          A-Rod feels deceived by not playing (0:21)

          Alex Rodriguez tells reporters he thought after hearing Joe Girardi speak about his desire to play A-Rod in Boston that he would be playing in more than just one game against the Red Sox. (0:21)

          • Andrew Marchand, ESPN Senior WriterAug 11, 2016, 10:31 PM
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              Andrew Marchand is a senior writer for ESPNNewYork. He also regularly contributes to SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight, ESPNews, ESPN New York 98.7 FM and ESPN Radio. He joined ESPN in 2007 after nine years at the New York Post. Follow Andrew on Twitter »
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          BOSTON -- Manager Joe Girardi turned down Alex Rodriguez's request to play third base in his final game as a Yankee on Friday in the Bronx.

          "Tuesday, I came into his office," Rodriguez said. "He told me what the plan was and I said, 'Well, any chance I could play third base on Friday?' He just said no."

          A-Rod started at third base twice last year. He has not played the field at all this season.

          "We thought about it, but he hasn't done any work," Girardi said. "We are still in the business of trying to win games."

          Rodriguez started at DH, going 0-for-4 with an RBI in the eighth inning of a 4-2 win over the Boston Red Sox in what was A-Rod's final road game with the Yankees.

          For Friday, the Yankees (58-56, 3.5 games back in the wild card) have pushed back the start time of their game with the Tampa Bay Rays from 7:10 p.m. ET to 7:35 to host a pregame ceremony.

          Chris Archer will start for the Rays. A-Rod has two hits, both homers, in 15 at-bats against Archer.

          After Friday's game, Rodriguez, 41, will be released. He has agreed to become a special adviser to team owner Hal Steinbrenner, but he has refused to rule out playing for another team if someone calls.

          As for not playing third base Friday, which A-Rod first revealed on the Michael Kay Show on 98.7 FM in New York, the slugger took it in stride.

          "It would have just been fun," Rodriguez said. "Look, it wasn't a big request. I get that we are playing games. I totally get the answer.

          "This is my last day, I would hope that a couple of balls didn't hit me in the mouth. It was a fun request."

          Rodriguez tried to play down any dissension.

          "I wouldn't make a big deal about it," Rodriguez said in front of his locker before Thursday's game. "They are probably saving me some embarrassment."

          Rodriguez pinch hit Wednesday, flying out to left in the seventh. He was booed.

          "It was louder than usual," Rodriguez said. "One last lick before I go back to Miami."

          Rodriguez lives in Miami, leading to speculation he could end up with the Marlins. He said if he ever decides to play for another team, he will first consult with Steinbrenner.

          When asked directly if he views Friday as his last game as a Yankee or his last game ever, A-Rod was fully clear with his intentions.

          "I'm focusing on this is it," Rodriguez said. "I'm not looking beyond that. I value pinstripes. I value this organization. To me, this is it."