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Another injury sidelines Teixeira

 
Published July 22, 2014

NEW YORK — Mark Teixeira is expected to miss at least three games with a mild strain to his lower back muscle, yet another setback for a player who has struggled to remain on the field for the Yankees this season.

Teixeira, 34, said Monday that he had been having back spasms for more than a month, but the pain "ratcheted up" over the weekend. An MRI exam performed Sunday revealed a minor Grade 1 strain to his lat.

Teixeira is supposed to receive a platelet-rich plasma injection to stimulate the healing process. Manager Joe Girardi said the team would hold off on placing Teixeira on the disabled list.

"I think if we were really concerned, we'd put him on the DL right away," Girardi said. "We're hoping that after three or four days, maybe he feels okay, maybe we can get him back in there."

Though he leads the team in home runs and RBIs, Teixeira missed 14 games in April with a hamstring strain and has sat due to various ailments to his knee and wrist.

BLUE JAYS: Former closer Sergio Santos, who has a 7.78 ERA, was designated for assignment.

BRAVES: C Evan Gattis, out since June 29 with a bulging disc in his lower back, was activated from the 15-day disabled list.

DODGERS: X-rays came back negative on RF Yasiel Puig and SS Hanley Ramirez, who both were hit on their hands by pitches. Both were held out of the lineup.

GIANTS: 2B Dan Uggla, released by the Braves last week after batting .162 in 48 games, agreed to a minor-league contract and will report to Triple-A Fresno. … RHP Matt Cain went on the 15-day disabled list because of elbow inflammation.

ROCKIES: 1B Justin Morneau went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained neck retroactive to July 14.

ROYALS: 1B Eric Hosmer was scratched with a bruised right hand a day after being hit by a pitch.

WHITE SOX: Pitching coach Don Cooper has vertigo and may miss several games.