Alex Rodriguez met with Barry Bonds multiple times to get hitting tips as he prepares for his return to the major leagues, spokesman Ron Berkowitz confirmed Wednesday.

Alex Rodriguez has met with Barry Bonds and Edgar Martinez to get hitting tips, his spokesman said. Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

The meetings with Bonds was presented by Berkowitz as part of a number of consultations with former standout hitters in an effort for Rodriguez to be fully ready for his return to the New York Yankees after missing last season because of his steroid suspension.

Berkowitz said Rodriguez also worked with former Seattle Mariners teammate Edgar Martinez in Miami last week.

The meetings with Bonds seem like an odd choice because of the steroids link between the two. The San Francisco Chronicle earlier reported the story and that the meetings took place at the Future Prospects facility in San Rafael, California.

Shortly after New Year's, A-Rod posted a picture to his Instagram account that is said to be from the facility. Bonds was neither pictured nor mentioned in the description.