Tex has Girardi worried
JOE GIRARDI admitted he is “concerned” about Mark Teixeira, who was examined by team doctors Tuesday after reporting no progress in his injured right wrist and receiving a cortisone shot more than one week ago.
The strong possibility remains that Teixeira, who hit .151 in 15 games before landing back on the DL for a second stint this season on June 16, will need season-ending surgery.
Following the Yanks’ 4-3 win over Texas, a team spokesman said an official update will be given on Teixeira on Wednesday.
“I’ve said before, it is tricky. What he had is a tricky injury and I’m concerned,” Girardi said before the game.
THE GREAT BRETT-SKI
Gardner ripped the second of four Yankee solo homers Tuesday, his seventh of the season in 291 at-bats. That matches the ca- reer high he set in 587 at-bats in 2011.
“Just being a little better hitter and being healthy and being ready to hit,” said Gardner, who was caught stealing just ahead of Ichiro Suzuki’s walk-off home run. “That was a bad decision. You go from feeling really, really down to really happy.”
AIN’T OVA FOR NOVA
Ivan Nova isn’t going anywhere just yet, as Girardi acknowledged he might go with six starting pitchers for one turn through the Yankees’ rotation.
The Yanks began a stretch of 20 games in 20 days Tuesday against Texas, and Nova likely will get another start after a strong outing in a spot start Sunday in his return from Triple-A Scranton.
“There is no exact plan,” Girardi said.
Nova, who allowed three runs in 62/3 innings in a 3-1 loss Sunday to Tampa Bay, said he’d rather stay with the Yanks as a long reliever than return to Scranton as a starter.
“I like to be in the big leagues. But I have no control over anything else. Just do my job any time I pitch,” said Nova, who threw a bullpen session before Tuesday’s game. “They haven’t told me any- thing. I’m going to keep working as if I will pitch on the fifth day. That’s all I can do.”
HOLLAND’S OPUS
Texas pitcher Derek Holland admittedly was booted from a Counting Crows concert Monday at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, N.J.
Holland tweeted on his @Dutch_Oven45 account that he was kicked out for “1 standing up and enjoying the concert an (sic) 2 taking to (sic) many pictures. Thanks New Jersey.”
Adam Philipson, CEO of the theater, told the Asbury Park Press that the Texas hurler was asked to curtail his “disruptive behavior.”
The official Counting Crows account (@CountingCrows) tweeted Tuesday at Holland: “Seriously, I sincerely apologize. That sucks. You’re welcome at any show as our guest. STAND THE WHOLESHOW!”
SWEET GEORGIA MO?
Not sure why the Harlem Globetrotters would need a draft, but they announced Tuesday that they have “drafted” WNBA star Brittney Griner and retiring Yanks closer Mariano Rivera.
“In the fourth quarter, when the Globetrotters need to close out a game, who better than the best closer of all time?” the Globetrotters said in a press release. “Mariano Rivera has made a living by finishing off opponents. We always have a place on our roster for winning athletes with that kind of mind-set.”
— With Roger Rubin