Mariano Rivera: Rodriguez's return won't distract Yankees

Alex Rodriguez is poised to rejoin the New York Yankees after his season-long suspension ended Wednesday with the conclusion of the World Series, and former franchise icon Mariano Rivera remains confident the veteran's return will be relatively painless.

“I don’t think it will be a distraction,” Rivera told Mike Puma of the New York Post. “He paid his dues, he paid his suspension and he’s legitimate like the rest of the league. Hopefully he comes ready to play and does well for the team, because he has a contract. He has to be there for the team and hopefully he does well.”

Though the 39-year-old remains under contract for the next three seasons, general manager Brian Cashman expressed concern over the veteran's ability to play third base every day after a year-long hiatus. The Yankees are expected to explore other options at third base this offseason, and manager Joe Girardi has even broached the possibility of playing some first base with Rodriguez.

Rivera, however, wasn't prepared to anoint Rodriguez the club's de facto captain in the absence of Derek Jeter, who retired at the conclusion of the 2014 campaign.

“I don’t know whose team it’s going to be - as long as he performs for the team,” Rivera said.