BOSTON — Mark Teixeira’s aggravated left-calf strain will test the Yankees’ lineup depth again, as well as their defense. And Nick Swisher figures to be affected by both realignments.
Swisher is likely to see more time at first base and his bat becomes more important in Teixeira’s absence, projected to last 10 to 14 days.
And since Teixeira initially hurt his calf Aug. 27, Swisher has been in a merciless swoon.
He enters tonight’s game against the hapless Red Sox in a 3-for-45 (.067) slide with no homers and three RBIs. Worse, he is hitless in his past 28 at-bats.
Swisher admits to being frustrated seeing his average dip from .278 to .255, but is convinced at least some of his trouble is due to bad luck.
“I thought I hit the ball extremely well [against the Orioles],” Swisher said. “I could have had five or six hits in the last few games.”
Instead, he had none, and coupled with his lack of playoff production since coming to The Bronx, the Yankees have to be concerned his late-season issues have begun early.
Swisher, though, isn’t worried he’s in for another rough autumn.
“I’m at the point in my career where people know what type of hitter I am and what I’m capable of doing,” Swisher said. “I don’t have to prove anything, but I would like to contribute a little more. When you’re going through stuff like this, it’s not fun.
“It’s been a tough road trip.”
The slide came on the heels of a Swisher hot streak when he was moved up to second in the lineup.
“Guys are pitching me a little tougher,” Swisher said. “So I’ve got to make the adjustments, just like I’ve always done.”