On crutches, Teixeira out at least 2 weeks

BOSTON -- The deep bone bruise that has hobbled Mark Teixeira for more than two weeks is not improving, and while the Yankees slugger has been placed on crutches in an attempt to speed his healing, he is not expected to return to the lineup for at least two weeks.

Teixeira was examined on Tuesday by team physician Christopher Ahmad in New York, where a new MRI revealed that the bone bruise was more significant than initially thought. General manager Brian Cashman said that the tests showed no stress fracture and that the Yankees do expect Teixeira to return this season.

"It just hasn't been healing in any way, shape or form, and they've ruled out any other complications," Cashman said. "It's a timing mechanism and it's taking a hell of a lot longer than we would have expected."

Video: MIN@NYY: Teixeira fouls ball off leg, leaves game

Teixeira sustained the injury fouling a ball off his right leg on Aug. 17 against the Twins, and he later said that he initially feared the leg was fractured. He returned to the lineup on Aug. 25 against the Astros and pinch-hit the next day, but Teixeira said he was unable to run without pain.

"I think it's good news that there's not something broken, but the frustrating part of it is we're not sure how long he's going to be out," manager Joe Girardi said.

It had been a notable comeback season for Teixeira, who has hit 31 homers and 79 RBIs in 111 games, surpassing his 2014 totals of 22 homers and 62 RBIs.

With Teixeira out of the lineup, the Yankees have been issuing regular playing time to rookie Greg Bird. Girardi said that his other options at the position include Alex Rodriguez, Chase Headley, Brendan Ryan, Dustin Ackley and Austin Romine.

Girardi said that he would like to think about using Rodriguez in the field following the new developments with Teixeira, but Cashman reiterated his position that he would prefer Rodriguez to be used as a designated hitter only.

"The bottom line, we're going to be forced to see what we've got further with Greg," Cashman said, "and when we're up against some left-handed pitching, Joe's going to be forced to look for some lineup flexibility. That's his job, no doubt about it. I just personally don't have much comfort with Alex at first. That's my opinion."