The Yankees don’t have to make a definitive decision on Mark Teixeira and the disabled list Friday but there is a chance the switch-hitting first baseman’s fate will be decided then.
“Get through [Thursday] and probably have something [Friday] to make a decision,’’ manager Joe Girardi said before the Yankees’ 4-2 win against the Rangers. “See how he feels after three or four days and then we will decide if it’s going to be in the near future that he can play or we are going to need the 15 days. If it’s going to be 12, 13 or 14 days it probably makes sense to get a player here.’’
Teixeira hasn’t played since Sunday due to a left latissimus dorsi muscle problem.
If Teixeira shows progress Friday, the Yankees may buy themselves a day or two.
“I don’t think [Friday] is the day [for a decision] but you want to feel there is progress and he feels better and he can start doing some stuff,’’ Girardi said.
With Teixeira out Girardi started Kelly Johnson at first Monday and Brian McCann Tuesday and Wednesday. However, Johnson landed on the DL Wednesday with a strained left groin. McCann was at first Thursday afternoon for a third straight game.
If Teixeira is put on the DL for the second time this season Girardi doesn’t feel hampered at first base. He has McCann and said Francisco Cervelli, who started a third straight game behind the plate Thursday, can play there. Girardi also mentioned he talked to newcomer Chase Headley about playing first and said he wouldn’t be afraid of using Brendan Ryan or Zelous Wheeler.
Michael Pineda’s simulated game in Tampa Thursday was rained out so the right-hander threw a couple of innings inside without hitters. His next outing is slated for Tuesday when he will throw 45 pitches.
Since Girardi gave Derek Jeter the day off, he juggled the lineup at the top. Girardi led Jacoby Ellsbury off for the 25th time and dropped leadoff man Brett Gardner to second for the sixth time this year.
Asked if he thought about hitting Gardner third, Girardi said, “I probably wouldn’t do it. But I said probably. Things change.’’
Ellsbury went 0-for-3; Gardner was 1-for-3, scored a run and drove in a run.
Carlos Beltran continued his throwing program before Thursday’s game as he attempts to finally get back to playing the outfield.
It was just the third time Beltran has thrown since he had been shut down most recently and while he said his right elbow, which has been bothered by a bone spur, is slightly better, he remains a long way from giving up his DH duty.
“This was just the third day,” said Beltran, who is on a schedule of throwing two days in a row and then taking a day off. “I’m just trying to get back out there, but I don’t know when that’s gonna be.”