MLB, union put Yanks' Rodriguez grievance deadline on hold

Major League Baseball and the players association have stopped the clock on the deadline for Alex Rodriguez to file a grievance against the New York Yankees for not making a $6 million payment when he hit his 660th home run.

Rodriguez tied Willie Mays for fourth place on the career home run list on May 1, and baseball's labor contract sets a 45-day deadline to file a grievance.

MLB and the union said Tuesday the deadline is on hold for as long as the two sides agree.

At the time Rodriguez and the Yankees signed their $275 million, 10-year contract in December 2007, they signed a separate marketing agreement that called for $6 million each for up to five milestone accomplishments.

The accomplishments were contemplated to be Rodriguez hitting home runs 660, 714, 755, 762 and 763. In exchange for each designation, Rodriguez would give the Yankees marketing rights, such as using Rodriguez's name and image in selling licensed goods.

Following Rodriguez's return this year from a season-long drug suspension, the Yankees said the decision to designate any historic achievements was at the team's discretion and they would not designate any.

New York has offered to pay an amount less than $6 million in Rodriguez's name to charities mutually chosen by both sides, a person familiar with the situation said Tuesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the sides have not discussed the situation publicly.