After scoring just 10 runs over their past five games – all losses – the Yankees may be getting back some offensive firepower just in time. Former all-stars Mark Teixeira and Kevin Youkilis have both been activated in time for tonight’s game after lengthy stays on the disabled list. Even though they’ve pitched well of late, Vidal Nuno and Ivan Nova were optioned to Triple-A to make room on the roster.
Teixeira had been sidelined since early in spring training with a strained tendon sheath in his right wrist, which he hurt while swinging a bat before a WBC game in Arizona. After a long rehab assignment, Teix has said that the wrist feels “great” and that their is no pain – good news for the Yankees. Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista suffered the same injury last season and returned from the DL, only to be shutdown for the remainder of the season days later after re-injuring himself and undergoing surgery. Teixeira said in his press conference today that if the wrist is sore he will tell trainers – no toughing it out.
Youkilis, who is no stranger to back injuries, was out since late April with a lower lumbar spine sprain. He was hitting .266 with two homers and seven RBI before the injury. With daily exercises geared toward strengthening the back, Youk said the other day that he feels like he did at the beginning of the season. He will move back to third and play first on days Teix needs rest.
After losing five straight, the Yankees are facing the Red Sox this weekend, who are two games ahead in the standings. With Andy Pettitte scheduled to pitch Monday against the Indians, the team is getting healthy at the right time.
Nova and Nuno sent out for Youkilis and Teixeira.
— Mark Feinsand (@FeinsandNYDN) May 31, 2013
