TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Mark Teixeira will to be out at least until early May with a strained right wrist tendon, the latest major injury setback for the New York Yankees.
New York general manager Brian Cashman gave the news Wednesday after the Yankees' were beat 8-2 by the Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic team Wednesday.
"It's a tough loss," Cashman said.
Teixeira was hurt swinging a bat Tuesday in an indoor cage during pregame warmups with the U.S. WBC team. Initially, Teixeira was expected to be out eight to 10 days, but he was examined by Yankees doctors in New York on Wednesday and a prognosis of eight to 10 weeks was given.
Cashman, who broke his leg and dislocated his ankle in a skydiving accident Monday, said Teixeira will rest for four weeks before beginning rehabilitation. Teixeira will remain in New York, and not rejoin the team in Florida, to start his recovery program.
Cashman does not seem inclined to move Kevin Youkilis from third to first. Youkilis was signed in December to fill in for third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who will be out until at least the All-Star break after left hip surgery in January.
"Third base is very difficult," Cashman said. "First is always easier to fill than third."
Internal options at first include Dan Johnson. Cashman ruled out having designated hitter Travis Hafner playing in the field.
It's the second major injury for the Yankees during spring training this year. Outfielder Curtis Granderson broke his right forearm when he was hit by a pitch Feb. 24. He will also be sidelined until early May.