Rodriguez, who had arthroscopic hip surgery to repair a torn labrum early in March, is responding very well to his rehabilitation and has some in the Yankees organization believing that he'll be back this month, the New York Post reported Sunday on its Web site.

The third baseman wasn't expected to return until May, but the team's batting coach Kevin Long told the Post Rodriguez is hitting and "feels 70 percent."

Rodriguez's hip had been fine until he experienced stiffness during spring training this year. The injury forced the 12-time All-Star to skip the World Baseball Classic, where he was to play for the Dominican Republic.

Rodriguez, who's in the second year of a 10-year, $275 million contract will need more extensive surgery in the offseason.

The Associated Press and the New York Post contributed to this report.