MLB roundup: Teixeira out 8-10 weeks; Rivera nears spring debut
Just as one New York Yankees star is getting healthy, another went down with a serious injury.
First baseman Mark Teixeira will miss eight to 10 weeks with a strained right wrist, manager Joe Girardi announced Wednesday. Meanwhile, closer Mariano Rivera will make his first appearance on the mound since last May when he pitches in a spring training game this weekend.
Teixeira will rest the wrist completely for four weeks before beginning rehab work. His projected return would be sometime in May.
The injury, originally thought to be a strained forearm, occurred Tuesday while Teixeira was hitting off a tee in Glendale, Ariz., before an exhibition game. He immediately was removed from the Team USA roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
With Teixeira sidelined, the Yankees' options at first base include Juan Rivera, Dan Johnson and Kevin Youkilis.
Rivera last pitched in a game on April 30 in Yankee Stadium against Baltimore. Three days later, he suffered a season-ending knee injury during batting practice, and he had surgery in June.
"We're going to shoot for Saturday," Girardi told the YES Network. "We're not going to rush it. We have plenty of time."
--Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer will take Teixeira's spot on the U.S. roster for the World Baseball Classic.
Hosmer, 23, is coming off a 2012 season in which he hit .232 with 14 homers and 60 RBI and had 16 stolen base.
With Ben Zobrist and Joe Mauer on the roster, U.S. manager Joe Torre has some options at first base.
Team USA begins play Friday in the Classic against Mexico.
-Longtime St. Louis Cardinals fan favorite Willie McGee is rejoining the team as a special assistant to general manager John Mozeliak.
"Willie has a wealth of experience in the game, and he is eager to pass on his observations and teachings," said Mozeliak in a statement. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch said McGee's primary duties would involve working with minor-leaguers.
McGee spent 13 of his 18 years with the Cardinals, winning two batting titles and three Gold Glove awards. He was the National League MVP in 1985 with a league-leading .353 batting mark, helping the Cardinals to an NL championship.
