New York Yankees News: A-Rod Could Miss Games In 2016 Because Of Biogenesis Scandal

Alex Rodriguez has already served his suspension for his role in the Biogenesis case, but the scandal could cost the New York Yankees slugger more games this upcoming season. Rodriguez could be deposed because of a lawsuit filed against him last year.

Former University of Miami baseball coach Lazaro Collazo is suing Rodriguez, business associate Jose Gomez and private investigation firm, Guideposts. Collazo alleges that the defendants bought private medical records and shared them with third parties. Collazo claims Rodriguez did so in order to avoid punishment from MLB.

“Defendants bought and obtained the Biogenesis documents, including plaintiff Collazo’s confidential medical records/information, in an effort to protect defendant A-Rod from MLB discipline that would have resulted in major financial losses to defendant A-Rod and jeopardized the remainder of his career and earning potential,” the lawsuit reads.

The Daily News reports that Circuit Court Judge Barbara Areces of the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida denied a motion to dismiss the suit last week. That means Rodriguez could be called to answer questions about the case during the 2016 MLB season.

The report states that Collazo is seeking more than $15,000 from Rodriguez, in addition to lawyer fees. Rodriguez is set to make $21 million in 2016 with $42 million owed to him on the two years left on his contract.

Rodriguez missed the entire 2014 season after he was suspended for violating the league’s performance enhancing drug policy because of evidence that linked him to the Biogenesis scandal, which led to 13 player suspensions. He came back to play 151 games in the 2015 season, becoming one of the Yankees’ most productive players.

The designated hitter arrived at Yankees camp in Tampa Bay on Wednesday. Despite the potential of missing some games because of the lawsuit, Rodriguez's presence isn’t nearly the topic of discussion that it was last year. The 40-year-old will address the media on Thursday.

“It doesn’t seem like it’s a story now,” reliever Andrew Miller said on Tuesday. “He did such a good job of handling everything both on and off the field with us, with (reporters), with the fans, I think that he took care of that and defused anything that was going to happen and it’s a credit to him. You won’t hear any buzz about it. The plan is just to have him come here and play baseball like the rest of us.”

Rodriguez is 27 home runs away from tying Babe Ruth for third-place on the all-time list. The Yankees open the season on April 4 against the Houston Astros.