Yankees’ Teixeira out of WBC with sore forearm

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Mark Teixeira’s stay with the U.S. team at the World Baseball Classic didn’t last long.

The Yankees slugger strained his right forearm while taking some light swings off a tee in the batting cage Tuesday, forcing him to withdraw from the tournament even before the Americans could play the Chicago White Sox in the first of their two scheduled exhibition games.

X-rays were negative and an MRI revealed the strain, U.S. manager Joe Torre said. The Yankees said in a statement that Teixeira will be evaluated further Wednesday by team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad and Dr. Melvin Rosenwasser.

“It wasn’t something he wouldn’t be doing (with the Yankees),” Torre said after the U.S. played to a 4-4 tie with the White Sox. “It was just a freak thing.”

Torre said that there have already been conversations about who will replace Teixeira but no decisions have been made. The U.S. opens pool play Friday night against Mexico.

“I’m not throwing any names out,” Torre said. “We certainly are looking to fill this spot as soon as possible, so you know I’ll meet with my coaches. We’ll try to figure it out.”

Torre may not have been discussing options with reporters, but he did bring up White Sox slugger Paul Konerko with his manager, Robin Ventura. Konerko went 3 for 3 and drove in a run against the U.S. team in their exhibition game at Camelback Ranch.

Other names that are likely to be discussed are the Brewers’ Prince Fielder, the Angels’ Mark Trumbo, Mets first baseman Ike Davis and the Red Sox’s Mike Napoli, who can catch and play first.

Torre said he couldn’t say when the decision will be made because there are so many moving pieces, such as whether players are interested and their situation with their teams.

“We’re just taking names,” Torre said. “But again, Tex was a switch-hitter, which was ideal for us, and left-handed wise, we have a couple switch-hitters and (Joe) Mauer. Otherwise, we’re pretty lopsided right-handed. So we’re going to have to see what’s the best bet for us.”

The Rays’ Ben Zobrist started at first base for the U.S. team on Tuesday. Mauer can also play first base, while the Diamondbacks’ Willie Bloomquist also has experience there.

Teixeira is the latest Yankees star to be injured this spring. Curtis Granderson broke his forearm on Feb. 24, and even general manager Brian Cashman has been hurt — he broke his fibula and dislocated his right ankle while skydiving to raise awareness for the Wounded Warriors Project.

Torre said the injury to Teixeira was particularly disappointing because the Yankees star had been so excited about playing. Teixeira actually broached playing for the U.S. when he saw Torre at a fundraising dinner in New York City shortly after Hurricane Sandy.

“I hadn’t picked a first baseman yet and I just happened to be at a banquet with Tex,” Torre said. “He mentioned the WBC and I said, ‘Are you interested?’ And he said, ‘Yeah, if you need me, I’m interested. … That was the night, basically, he knew he was coming to us.”

Torre, an MLB executive vice president, said he’s sensitive to the risk of injury that comes with playing in the tournament. But he also made clear that the injury happened while Teixeira was going through his normal routine, and not as he was taking part in the competition.

“If they want to find something wrong, they can use that,” Torre said. “I certainly feel bad for Tex, but it’s one of those things, it just seems like it’s unavoidable. … You never want to wish a thing like this upon any player, especially here in spring training.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.