Report: A-Rod, MLB investigators talk

TAMPA, Fla., April 2 (UPI) -- Alex Rodriguez has talked with Major League Baseball investigators about his ties to a doctor involved in a drug probe, the New York Daily News reported Friday.

The newspaper reported two sources it didn't name said the New York Yankees infielder was questioned Thursday in Tampa, Fla., about his connections to Toronto sports physician Tony Galea, suspected of illegally dispensing human growth hormones.

One of the sources told the Daily News Rodriguez had yet to meet with federal agents heading the investigation into Galea.

The newspaper reported another source said MLB Commissioner Bud Selig sought to have the MLB investigators' meeting with Rodriguez moved up because he didn't want to wait for action by the federal investigators, who had been expected to talk to the third baseman last week in Buffalo. That meeting was delayed, the Daily News said, at the request of Rodriguez's lawyers after the media got wind of it.

The Yankees played a grapefruit league game against Toronto Thursday sans Rodriguez. Asked Friday about his interview with federal investigators, Rodriguez declined comment until after the day's game against Baltimore.

"Let's talk after the game, with everyone else (the other reporters who regularly cover the team)," the Daily News quoted Rodriguez as saying.

Galea, who treated Rodriguez for an injury last year, is facing drug-related charges in Canada. He was arrested last year after American authorities found illegal drugs and medical supplies in a car driven by a former assistant who allegedly told authorities Galea had asked her to transport the drugs from Canada into the United States.

Prosecutors are presenting information about Galea to a federal grand jury.