ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s going to take a lot more than Tuesday night’s scheduled day off for Mark Teixeira to feel stronger.
Since early April, the Yankees first baseman has battled a bronchial problem that was initially diagnosed as an infection, and later as a damaged nerve to the vocal chords.
“The first half has been pretty tough, I haven’t felt like myself,’’ Teixeira said before the Yankees’ 7-4 loss to the Rays. “I’m glad to see the All-Star break coming up. I’m hoping the second half of the season is much better health-wise.’’
In 76 games, Teixeira is hitting .246 with 13 homers and 45 RBIs.
In April and May, Teixeira battled a severe cough but has been feeling better since.
“The doctors said it might take a full year,’’ Teixeira said. “I’ve been better since it was figured out. I was glad to know what was going on.’’
As for sitting out last night, Teixeira and manager Joe Girardi said it had nothing to do with the Gold Glover making a costly error that cost the Yankees a game Monday night.
“It’s been a plan for a week,’’ Teixeira said. “With a tough weekend ahead (four games in three days in Boston), Joe asked me to pick a day.’’
Girardi said it was Sunday or last night, and he wanted to get Teixeira off Tropicana Field’s turf.
“I worry about guys wearing down,’’ Girardi said.
It also probably didn’t hurt that Teixeira was hitting .125 (6-for-48) against James Shields, the Rays’ starter last night.
Eric Chavez started in Teixeira’s place and went 1-for-4, but misplayed a ground ball for an error in the first inning.
As for the error, Girardi said, “He is not going to be perfect.’’
Teixeira was hoping his mates turned Monday’s negative into a positive.
“It was frustrating timing,’’ Teixeira said of his first error this season that stopped a 93-game consecutive streak without a boot. “Let the boys pick me up. [Monday night] was disappointing.’’
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CC Sabathia (groin strain) played catch and is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday at Fenway Park.
The Yankees hope the ace can return after the All-Star break.
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Pedro Feliciano threw a bullpen session in front of Girardi and pitching coach Larry Rothschild before the game.
The 35-year-old lefty missed all of last year with a rotator cuff strain that required September surgery.
Even though Feliciano is only throwing bullpen sessions once every three days, Girardi is encouraged about the reliever making it back to the big leagues.
“I think it’s possible if he doesn’t have a setback,’’ Girardi said. “We wouldn’t have brought him to spring training if he we thought he was done.’’
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Eduardo Nunez, who is on the Triple-A disabled list with a thumb problem, visited with Girardi.
“He just started taking batting practice,’’ Girardi said of the utility player who was optioned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in mid-May. “He hopes to play in a couple of weeks or so.’’