Alex Rodriguez tells lawyers to quit talking to press

Alex Rodriguez has asked his legal team to keep quiet so that he can go back to helping the Yankees win baseball games.

By Louis Bien@louisbien Aug 21, 2013, 7:23pm EDT

Alex Rodriguez wants his legal team to tone down its rhetoric so that he can focus on playing baseball for the New York Yankees, ESPN New York reports. Recently hired lawyer Joe Tacopina has been on the offensive against the Yankees, accusing the organization of mistreating the third baseman. Given the whirlwind drama surrounding Rodriguez since being handed a 211-game suspension for his connection with Biogenesis, it's no surprise he wants some peace. Via ESPN New York:

"I'm shutting it all down," Rodriguez told ESPNNewYork.com. "I'm shutting it all down, just focusing on baseball, just baseball."

The Yankees currently have 37 games remaining in their regular season, including Wednesday night's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Manager Joe Girardi decided to give Rodriguez the night off for rest. Rodriguez will rejoin the lineup on Thursday.

More: A-Rod storystream Yankees blog Pinstripe Bible

Rodriguez is still working on his appeal to Major League Baseball to get his suspension reduced. Earlier Wednesday it was revealed that Rodriguez reportedly has a standing offer from MLB to have his suspension taken down to 150 games if he drops his appeal.