New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira is likely to return to the lineup Monday for the first time since Sept. 8, when he tried to come back — apparently too early — from a calf injury. The Yankees hope Teixeira can provide them with a little extra spark in their final series of the season, as they try to hold off the Baltimore Orioles in the race for the AL East title.
The Yankees play that final series against the Red Sox, who, at this point, would love nothing more than to keep their hated rivals from the postseason. Teixeira, in 120 games, has hit 23 home runs with 83 RBI and a .255 batting average. Despite underwhelming numbers, he draws more attention from opposing pitchers, especially left-handers. Here's what Joe Girardi told ESPN New York about Tex's potential return:
"It has affected us," Girardi said. "It seemed like everyone was throwing left-handers against us, and (Teixeira) is a huge bat against left-handers."