Teixeira continues to 'knock off rust'

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Mark Teixeira had another day of positive signs for the Yankees on Saturday, slugging a double and working a walk in New York's 9-6 Grapefruit League victory over the Astros.

Teixeira's two-base hit came right-handed, facing southpaw Darin Downs. Teixeira said that the only things he has not tested with his surgically repaired right wrist are swinging and missing and check-swings.

"I really am knocking off rust," said Teixeira, who finished 1-for-2 and played four innings at first base. "Two days ago, it was just being out there. You're not used to covering first base, going after foul balls and coming in on bunts, stuff like that.

"I'm just continuing to knock off some rust, get my legs in shape, get my swing in shape, try and see a lot of pitches. I'm glad I saw a walk today; that was a good step for me, just seeing pitches. Hopefully, I'll continue to do that."

Teixeira said that he expects to have more than enough swings to knock all of his rust off before Opening Day.

"I don't want to try to overdo things in Spring Training and then physically not be ready for the season," Teixeira said. "I'm going to go in and out of 10 slumps this year; that's just the way it is.

"What you want to do is physically, you want to feel really good coming out of Spring Training into Opening Day and get enough at-bats -- 50 or 55 at-bats -- to feel you're comfortable. That's what Spring Training is about, getting your body ready for a long season."