When Ex-Yankees manager Joe Girardi refused to grant Alex Rodriguez extra playing time during his final season 

In 2016, New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez struggled on the mound and went through an extended slump. So, when the team eventually committed to a rebuilding phase, retiring A-Rod was a foregone conclusion. Rodriguez announced his MLB departure on August 12, 2016, against the Rays at the Yankee Stadium.

Things took a controversial turn when ex-Yankees manager Joe Girardi put Rodriguez on the bench during his final week in the Bronx. As per Giraldi, he said that his decision to not include Rodriguez in the lineup was because of his quest to win games.

"I’m putting out –– I’m not saying that I don’t think I can win with Alex in the lineup. What I’m saying is, I’m putting out what I think is the best lineup. As we sit around and talk about it as coaches, that’s my job. That is in my job description. My job description does not entail farewell tours. My job description is to try to win every game and to try to put everyone in the best possible position to do that. And that’s what I’m trying to do."

"Joe Girardi explains his thinking behind keeping Alex Rodriguez out of the starting lineup Monday vs Texas" - YES Network

Remarkably, there was a disparity in Yankees' farewell honors when it came to bidding farewell to A-Rod compared to Derek Jeter or Mariano Rivera.

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Alex Rodriguez was embarrassed to be put on bench by Joe Girardi

New York Yankees Photo Day

New York Yankees superstar Alex Rodriguez's last few weeks with his beloved team were painful for him owing to his marginalized treatment from ex-manager Joe Girardi.

"The last four weeks have not been fun. It’s been very painful and embarrassing to sit on the bench. It’s been awkward. From that sense, I’m very happy that we found a solution," said Rodriguez expressing his grieance at the 2016 press conference.

"4 years ago today, Alex announced his retirement, effective 5 days later." - High Heat Stats

After retiring from the MLB, the Yankees signed a new contract with A-Rod and kept him through 2017 as a special instructor and advisor of the team.