New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira suffered an injury during the team’s 6-0 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Sunday afternoon.
Teixeira was hit by a pitch on his right foot by Royals’ starter Edison Volquez in the fourth inning. He was able to stay in the game, but was replaced defensively in the seventh inning by Garrett Jones. The 35-year-old was 0-2 with the hit by pitch before leaving the game.
According to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News, Teixeira was diagnosed with a right big toe contusion, as his X-rays came back negative.
After playing 30 games in 31 days, the Yankees get a much needed day off, and that should give Teixeira some time to heal the injury. Teixeira doesn’t expect to miss any time, as he told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com after the game that he plans on being in the lineup on Tuesday.
If Teixeira is unable to play, it’s very likely that Alex Rodriguez might see some playing time at first base. With the next two games being in a National League ball park, the Yankees can’t plug Rodriguez in the designated hitter spot, so manager Joe Girardi must find ways to insert the 40-year-old into the lineup at some point during the two games.
During the team’s current 9-game road trip, the Bronx Bombers have struggled, losing five of their last six contests. With the recent struggles, the Yankees now lead the American League East Division by one game.
The Yankees will travel to Washington for a two-game interleague series with the Nationals to conclude the road trip, and they certainly hope that this injury will not sideline Teixeira. Including today, Teixeira is hitting .248 with 11 home runs and 28 RBIs this season.
