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Yankees' Mark Teixeira To Miss 8 To 10 Weeks With Strained Right Wrist Tendon

TAMPA, Fla. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Mark Teixeira is going to be out until at least early May with a strained right wrist tendon, the latest major injury setback for the New York Yankees.

New York general manager Brian Cashman gave the news after the Yankees' were beat 8-2 by the Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic team on Wednesday.

Teixeira was hurt swinging a bat Tuesday in an indoor cage during pregame warmups with the U.S. WBC team. Initially, Teixeira was expected to be out eight to 10 days, but Teixeira was examined by Yankees doctors in New York on Wednesday and a diagnosis of eight to 10 weeks was given.

Brian Cashman

Cashman says Teixeira will rest for four weeks before beginning rehabilitation.

"It's not a significant circumstance in the fact that you need surgery," Cashman told WFAN host Mike Francesa. "It's something that is common. Jose Bautista had this type of injury last year at Yankee Stadium … The treatment is four weeks of no activity and then four to six weeks of getting him going, which is dry swings and eventually the tee and then toss and then batting practice and spring training."

So who will play first base now with Teixeira out?

"If Opening Day was tomorrow, I'd say it's either Kevin Youkilis or Dan Johnson (playing first base)," WFAN's Sweeny Murti told Francesa. "It didn't sound like it was the best option they wanted to choose, but a combination of (Jayson) Nix and (Eduardo) Nunez could play third base. They've shied away from playing Nunez anywhere but shortstop, but obviously things change when you have injury situations like this. Nothing is ideal right now."

Sweeny Murti

In his career, Youkilis has played 607 games at first base and 442 games at third base. His only Gold Glove Award, which he received in 2007, was for his play at first base.

"That's something we would have to look at," manager Joe Girardi said in regard to the first-base situation prior to knowing the severity of Teixeira's injury. "We have a number of guys that have played there. Juan Rivera has played there, Dan Johnson has played there. (Kevin Youkilis) has played there. There are a number of things you could possibly do.''

Kevin Youkilis

It's the second major injury for the Yankees during spring training this year. Outfielder Curtis Granderson broke his right forearm when he was hit by a pitch Feb. 24. He will also be sidelined until early May.

What should the Yankees do about their first-base situation? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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