NEW YORK (AP) - Mark Teixeira returned to the New York Yankees’ lineup with a bang Monday night after missing a game with a bruised right thumb.
The slugger singled, homered and doubled in his first three trips to the plate against Oakland. He scored all three times.
Teixeira sat out Sunday against the Chicago White Sox. He was at first base and batting third Monday for the opener of a four-game series against the Athletics.
The two-time All-Star hurt his thumb making a diving stop Friday night and left Saturday’s game after two innings. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Teixeira tested his thumb in the batting cage Monday and was ready to go.
Teixeira entered the game hitting .257 with 28 homers and 91 RBIs.
In other news, Girardi said injured left-hander Andy Pettitte is slated to throw another “pretty intense” bullpen session Wednesday. Then, his next step will be determined.
Pettitte is on the disabled list with a strained left groin and has said he could return in about two weeks.
Girardi also said Alex Rodriguez (strained left calf) is expected to come off the DL when he’s eligible on Sunday, and the slugger probably won’t go out on a rehab assignment.
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