Yankees pleased with Teixeira's MRI results
Exam shows nothing structurally wrong with neck, but slugger's status for rest of series uncertain
NEW YORK -- The Yankees got good news on Mark Teixeira's neck Monday. Structurally, it's fine, though they're still not sure if he'll be available Tuesday.
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Teixeira was held out of Monday's 11-8 series-opening loss to the Phillies with a stiff neck that's bothered him for the better part of two weeks. He underwent an MRI exam before the game, and the results came back "pretty good," manager Joe Girardi said.
"Nothing alarming," Girardi said. "I don't know what we'll have tomorrow. We'll just have to wait and see."
Teixeira also received a cortisone injection in an attempt to speed the healing process. The first baseman sat out last Wednesday's game against Miami with the neck issue, but he had been in the lineup ever since. That didn't mean the stiffness had gone away.
"It's hard to turn," Girardi said. "I think we've all experienced that. It can be frustrating, and it's irritating. It's something that's tough to play in, because obviously they have to turn a lot in this game."
Girardi said Teixeira's neck has been bothering him for 10 days or so, and he just hasn't been able to clear the issue completely.
Teixeira, 35, is batting .251 with 49 RBIs this season.