Bombers bits

• As anticipated, Mark Teixeira returned to the Yankees' lineup at first base on Tuesday. Teixeira pinch-hit in the eighth inning of Monday's 4-2 loss to the Rangers, his first game action since July 20 because of a lower lat strain and back spasms.

"Pretty easy; I knew where to put him," Girardi said. "That didn't take me long. It was good to see that he woke up today and he felt fine."

• Girardi said that Francisco Cervelli's performance over the last week, when Teixeira's injury pressed Brian McCann into duty at first base, offers a reminder that Cervelli can be a serviceable starting catcher at the big league level. Cervelli has hit safely in a career-high 10 straight games.

"Great job. I said it last year; Cervy's talented," Girardi said. "It's unfortunate, some of the injuries he's had -- broken hand, broken wrist, concussion. But Cervy's played for us and he's played well. He's been thrown into pennant races and everything. We just need to keep him healthy."

• Kelly Johnson, who was placed on the disabled list July 23 with a strained left groin, is expected to be ready for activation in the minimum 15 days. Johnson may be sent on a Minor League rehab assignment to gather at-bats, and it is likely he will see some increased time at second base down the stretch.