Yankees release Alex Rodriguez

Alex Rodriguez was unconditionally released Saturday by the New York Yankees, ending his 12 years in pinstripes and perhaps his big league career after 22 seasons.

Rodriguez, 41, had a run-scoring double in four at-bats Friday in New York’s 6-3 victory over Tampa Bay. He batted .200 with nine home runs and 31 runs batted in this season.

The 14-time All-Star and three-time most valuable player has 3,115 hits and 696 home runs, fourth all-time.

Rodriguez’s 2,086 RBIs are second to Hank Aaron’s 2,297. He is a career .295 hitter.

Etc.

Washington Nationals right fielder Bruce Harper received an MRI exam for a neck injury. He was out of the lineup for a fifth consecutive game. ... The Nationals released former closer Jonathan Papelbon. ... Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley, who has played in only 11 games this season, will undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder Monday.