New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira is expected to return to action Monday for only the second time since straining his left calf on Aug. 27. The switch-hitter's return comes at a crucial moment for the Yankees -- who now sit tied with the Orioles atop the AL East -- and will allow manager Joe Girardi to be more flexible with his lineup construction, per the New York Times:
Mark Teixeira back in Yankees’ lineup Monday
Teixeira will man first base for New York for just the second time since Aug. 27.
Otto Greule Jr - Getty Images
Teixeira’s return will enable Girardi to put Nick Swisher back in the outfield, and Ichiro Suzuki will probably resume his position in left field.
Additionally, the switch-hitting Teixeira gives Girardi the ability to separate left-handed hitters in the lineup.
Teixeira exhibited no signs of favoring his leg during an instructional league game on Saturday, and the Yankees hope that the big first baseman can return to the lineup for good this time. The 32-year-old returned for a single game on Sept. 8 but re-aggravated the injury running out a ground ball late in the game and has been sidelined the last three weeks.
Tex is hitting .255/.336/.478 with 23 home runs and 81 RBI in 120 games this season.
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