Alex Rodriguez could join 3,000-hit club Monday in his hometown of Miami

MIAMI -- Alex Rodriguez is bringing his pursuit of the 3,000-hit milestone to his hometown, where it may be put on hold.

The New York Yankees begin a two-game series Monday in Miami, and the attendance-challenged Marlins expect more than 30,000 fans for both games, even though it's uncertain how much they'll see Rodriguez. He has played only six games in the field this season, and there will be no designated hitter for the two interleague games in Miami.

Rodriguez went 0 for 4 Sunday in Baltimore, leaving him with 2,995 hits. Before the game, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he was leaning toward not starting Rodriguez in Miami.

Rodriguez grew up in Miami and hasn't played here since 2009, long before the drug scandal that led to Rodriguez's suspension.