TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez could begin playing in minor league games in the next week after increasing his baserunning session on Saturday.

A-Rod, who had right hip surgery on March 9, has run the bases twice in the past three days. The Yankees still expect him to rejoin the team by May 15.

The three-time AL MVP continues taking batting practice, fielding grounders and throwing at third while taking part in an extensive off-field workout program.

Also, Chien-Ming Wang threw 50 pitches in a bullpen session one day after being placed on the 15-day disabled list with weakness of the abductor muscles in his hips.

Yankees vice president Billy Connors said Wang threw the ball well and that he's working on mechanics and getting stronger.

Wang missed the final 3½ months last season with a foot injury.

The right-hander was examined Thursday by soft-tissue expert Dr. Mark Lindsay. Wang, 0-3 with a 34.50 ERA in three starts this season, is expected to be re-examined Monday, at which time his rehab schedule could be finalized.