Mark Teixeira Will Undergo Wrist Surgery, Out for Remainder of the Season

Mark Teixeira’s wrist injury is more serious than first reported and he’ll undergo season ending surgery in the coming days. (Image Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports)

Just two weeks after his activation from the disabled list, the New York Yankees were forced to place their first baseman back on the DL thanks to continued concerns surrounding his right wrist. Mark Teixeira has since undergone further tests, but the team announced Wednesday afternoon that doctors have recommended surgery to repair a torn tendon sheath in his wrist. The procedure typically calls for six months of recovery, assuring that he’ll miss the remainder of the season.

Teixeira appeared in just 15 games for the Yankees on the year, batting .151/.270/.340 in 63 PA.

Teixeira was initially hurt in early March, hitting off a tee while practicing with with US team in preparation for the World Baseball Classic. The WBC subsequently covered his salary while on the DL and would have ultimately covered his entire 2013 salary had the team never activated him. However, by bringing Teixeira back to the Major Leagues after just a handful of rehab games, the team effectively cost themselves a significant amount of money as they’ll now be on the hook for Teixeira’s remaining salary – which amounts to roughly $15.1 Million. At the time the team was accused of acting too quickly to activate him for this very reason and it turns out that those accusations may have been valid. Team officials have since admitted that they were eager to get him back into a lineup that’s been beset by injuries all season and that part of their decision was influenced by Teixeira’s eagerness to play in games again.

Lyle Overbay has seen the bulk of the team’s playing time at first base in Teixeira’s absence and will likely continue to do so. He’s hit .239/.282/.429 in 242 PA.