Tex heated after mistake by third-base coach

ARLINGTON -- Mark Teixeira's temper flared in full view of the cameras on Monday, as the Yankees first baseman said he heard third-base coach Joe Espada tell him to go "easy, easy" before being thrown out at home plate on a Chase Headley single to center field in the eighth inning.

Teixeira was furious with Espada, who believed that Teixeira would score from second base without a throw. Rangers center fielder Leonys Martin came up firing and nailed Teixeira at the plate, though the play ultimately did not affect the outcome of a 6-2 victory.

"There was no miscommunication," Teixeira said. "Joe just told me, 'Easy, easy,' which means there's going to be no play at the plate. It's just a mistake. ... That can't happen. I'm sure it won't ever happen again. It can't happen."

Espada is in his first year as the Yankees' third-base coach after previously serving in the same role for the Marlins. He acknowledged the error, believing Martin was not charging the ball on the two-strike, two-out hit, and said that he apologized to Teixeira.

"You know what, it was my call," Espada said. "I told him to take it easy. I wasn't expecting a throw. As a third-base coach, I just really try to make sure that some of those guys, they avoid slides and take it easy on their legs. I wasn't expecting a throw, so it was my fault. I was responsible for that call."

Teixeira was demonstrative after being tagged out by catcher Robinson Chirinos, raising his arms toward Espada before being spotted throwing gear in the third-base dugout. He wasn't alone -- Headley also spiked his helmet at first base.

"It was frustration. I got caught up in the moment," Headley said. "I was watching what happened; it's kind of unexplainable when you're watching from first. It was just a miscommunication. I wish I hadn't reacted that way, but I was fired up. You're never comfortable here.

"I always feel like they're in the game. They have a great lineup, it's a good place to hit. That's a big add-on run. A little bit of frustration in the moment, but that's it. It's over. No big deal."

Espada said he did not believe there would be any carryover from the incident, noting, "I think Tex is a pro. I'm a pro. We want to win, and we'll turn the page."

"Joe is great. I love Joe Espada," Teixeira said. "He apologized and it's over with. But it's a big mistake."