A-Rod reports three days early for spring training with Yankees

Embattled Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez arrived for spring training Monday, three days ahead of schedule. New York's position players begin workouts Thursday, per the Associated Press.

Rodriguez is set to return to action in 2015 after sitting out in 2014 due to a season-long suspension. He apologized to team officials during a meeting Feb. 10 and to fans in a statement last week. 

“I served a big penalty personally and professionally,” Rodriguez said, per the New York Daily News.

Rodriguez underwent a physical Monday before taking 71 swings at the team's spring training complex. He hit six home runs.

"Right now, I'm just focused on making this team," he said, per USA Today. "Obviously, it was a rough year... I think for me the time off benefited me, and I feel good, healthy, ready to go. It was the first time I had a chance to rest a full year in my career, and get a chance to train, versus rehab, so feeling good."

Rodriguez, who turns 40 years old in July, is owed $61 million in the final three seasons of his 10-year, $275 million contract. Rodriguez also could earn five $6 million bonuses for historic achievements, but the Yankees have told him they don't plan to pay those bonuses.

VIDEO: CBSSports.com baseball writer Dayn Perry recaps Rodriguez's first day at Yankees camp.