Mark Teixeira Could Begin Rehab Assignment Next Week

Mark Teixeira could be inching closer to a return to the New York Yankees lineup as he’ll likely begin a rehab assignment at Double-A next week. (Image Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

Plenty has been written about the injury woes that the New York Yankees have been forced to overcome this season, but the team could be getting one of their stars back in the lineup sooner rather than later. First baseman Mark Teixeira could begin a rehab assignment with the team’s Double-A affiliate as soon as next Tuesday, according to Erik Boland of Newsday.

Teixeira has been on the sidelines since mid-March thanks to a torn tendon sheath in his right wrist. He’s been working out and taking swings at the team’s Spring Training complex in Tampa for the past few weeks.

Getting him back into the everyday lineup will certainly provide a boost to the Yankees offense. Teixeira hit .251/.332/.475 last season, adding 24 HR and 84 RBI over 524 PA. He’s also a career .279/.369/.527 hitter and offers much more of a threat than what the Yankees have pushed out at first base this season – namely Lyle Overbay, who’s hit .250/.286/.467 in 162 PA on the year. It remains to be see what Overbay’s role will be once the team’s starting first baseman returns, particularly since he’s cooled off considerably of late after getting off to a fast start to the season once the team acquired him late in Spring Training from the Boston Red Sox. Teixeira will likely need at least a week’s worth of games before he’ll be ready to return to the active roster.