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Yankees concerned about Mark Teixeira’s health

Yankees 36-year-old first baseman Mark Teixeira has had problems with a troublesome neck. (Associated Press)
Yankees 36-year-old first baseman Mark Teixeira has had problems with a troublesome neck. (Associated Press)

Just as one aging slugger gets ready to return to the New York Yankees, they’re concerned about the health of another.

Slumping Mark Teixeira was out of the starting lineup Wednesday night against Toronto because his neck was bothering him again. Dustin Ackley started at first base in Teixeira’s place as the Yankees tried to extend their winning streak to seven games.

In other news, manager Joe Girardi said “there’s a pretty good chance” designated hitter Alex Rodriguez will rejoin the lineup Thursday.

The 40-year-old Rodriguez, on the disabled list since May 4 with a strained right hamstring, played his second rehab game for Double-A Trenton on Wednesday night and hit a two-run homer to center field. He had two hits Tuesday and “came through very well,” Girardi said.

Teixeira’s neck, however, is an issue again. Girardi said he’s concerned about the 36-year-old switch-hitter, who missed two games May 10-11 because of a neck problem and was given shots in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort.

“I think it went away,” Girardi said. “But for whatever reason, it crept back in there today.”

Girardi said the three-time All-Star told the team Wednesday his neck “kind of locked up,” and he was scheduled to see a doctor in the evening. How much time Teixeira misses will depend on how he responds to treatment, Girardi said.

In the final season of a $180 million, eight-year contract, Teixeira is batting .195 with three homers, four doubles and 12 RBIs. He still provides quality defense at first base.

Clearing the bases

Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton has right side soreness and was out of the lineup Wednesday night. … Tigers manager Brad Ausmus missed Wednesday’s game against the Phillies because of the death of his mother. He was also expected to miss Friday’s game because of his daughter’s high school graduation. Bench coach Gene Lamont is managing in Ausmus’ absence. … Right-hander Arqiumedes Caminero was placed on the 15-day DL by the Pirates, a day after he was ejected for hitting two Diamondback hitters on the head with pitches. Left-hander Tony Watson was placed on the paternity list and left-hander Kyle Lobstein and right-hander Rob Scahill were recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis. … The Cardinals acquired outfielder Jose Martinez from the Royals. … Blue Jays second baseman Devon Travis was reinstated from the DL and inserted into the starting lineup against the Yankees. Toronto shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was out of the lineup with a sore right quadriceps.