MLB: Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez (13) runs to first base after talking batting practice before the game against the Boston Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla, on March 11, 2015. (Tommy Gilligan | USA TODAY Sports)

TAMPA, Fla. -- Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez clubbed his first home run of spring training Wednesday.

The 39-year-old third baseman ripped Red Sox pitcher Brandon Workman's 3-1 pitch well over the wall in left-center field in the fourth inning of Wednesday's game at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

The solo shot, which shortened Boston's lead to 5-3, elicited a huge roar from the crowd, even louder than the ovations he's received since he returned to the team following his 162-game suspension for performance-enhancing drug use.

A-Rod's teammates congratulated him when he got to the dugout, extending their hands for high-fives and slapping him on the helmet. It was his first long ball since hitting a grand slam off the Giants' George Kontos on Sept. 20, 2013.

Rodriguez was taken out of the game in the sixth inning. He grounded out to third base in his first and only other at-bat.

Your browser does not support iframes.

•

Who was the first Yankee to suffer an in-game injury this spring? (VIDEO)

• The return of Godzilla: Yankees introduce Hideki Matsui as special assistant to general manager



Rodriguez is fifth all-time with 654 career home runs, six behind Willie Mays. The Yankees hope Rodriguez can hit a bunch more homers in 2015, but they've been downplaying his return to the team so far.

Team officials have said they hope he can be their regular designated hitter, considering it signed Chase Headley to a four-year, $52-million deal in the offseason to be the regular third baseman.

Rodriguez, who turns 40 in July, is owed at least $61 million over the next three years.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.