Teixeira expected in lineup on Sunday

ST. PETERSBURG -- First baseman Mark Teixeira played three innings in a Minor League game on Thursday at the team's complex in Tampa, Fla., and is expected to return to the big league lineup on Sunday against the Rays.

"He had a really good day," manager Joe Girardi said. "He played three innings today, got three at-bats, went first to third and felt really good. He's expected to play five [innings] tomorrow."

Teixeira had not played since April 4, when he strained his right hamstring reaching for a ground ball against the Blue Jays in Toronto.

"Everything is pointing to him playing for us [on Sunday]," Girardi said. "It's something that we have to talk about, but everything points to him being here."