TAMPA, Fla. (AP)  -- Injured Alex Rodriguez is hoping to rejoin the New York Yankees early next week.

``We're aiming for (next) Tuesday at home,'' Rodriguez, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right quadriceps, said Tuesday after working out at the team's minor league complex. ``Everyday it's much better.''

He will miss the series this weekend against the crosstown rival New York Mets. He might be ready to play in extended spring training games this weekend.

``You've got to be smart, so it's a good way to go,'' Rodriguez said

Rodriguez hasn't played since April 28 and is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Thursday. He took batting practice, fielded grounders and ran for about six minutes in the outfield Tuesday.