Alex Rodriguez's home run off of Andy Sonnanstine on Sunday wasn't a big one in a game context, as it merely extended the Yankees' lead over the Rays to 9-4. However, it was a big one in a career context, as it was his 598th dinger, putting A-Rod just two away from one of those prized round numbers.
Alex Rodriguez Closing In On 600 Home Runs
At 598, Rodriguez ranks seventh all-time, sandwiched between Sammy Sosa and Frank Robinson. The list:
| Rank | Player | Home Runs |
| 1 | Barry Bonds | 762 |
| 2 | Hank Aaron | 755 |
| 3 | Babe Ruth | 714 |
| 4 | Willie Mays | 660 |
| 5 | Ken Griffey Jr. | 630 |
| 6 | Sammy Sosa | 609 |
| 7 | Alex Rodriguez | 598 |
| 8 | Frank Robinson | 586 |
| 9 | Mark McGwire | 583 |
| 10 | Jim Thome | 575 |
Already in exclusive company, just two more homers will allow A-Rod to reach another popular milestone in a decorated career. Though many will argue that the home run has been cheapened by the era the game has gone through, amassing as many as Rodriguez has is a testament to just how good he really is, and how long he’s been at or near the top of the leaderboards. A-Rod has hit at least 23 homers every year since 1996, and failed to hit 30 just once.
Tuesday night, the Yankees begin a brief two-game series against the Angels before hosting the Royals for four. The Angels will start Sean O'Sullivan and Joel Pineiro. Rodriguez has never faced O'Sullivan, and is 5-33 against Pineiro with zero home runs. Of course, that doesn't actually mean very much. If A-Rod wants to reach 600 at home, he'll have to do it within the next six games, or wait until the beginning of August.
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