TAMPA, Fla. (ESPN) -- Another day, another injury for the New York Yankees.
Slugger Mark Teixeira will miss at least two weeks after injuring his right wrist swinging in the batting cage.
The injury has forced Teixeira to pull out of the World Baseball Classic.
"We are obviously worried about him because wrists are very unpredictable," Yankees GM Brian Cashman said. "Even if we can get a positive diagnosis back, which, of course, we are going to hope for. That still doesn't mean you are out of the woods."
Team USA must conduct an 11th-hour search for a first baseman to replace Mark Teixeira, who dropped out of the WBC on Tuesday because of an injury, writes Jim Caple.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi said initial X-rays were negative. The Yankees are calling it a strained right wrist, and Teixeira will be further evaluated in New York on Wednesday by Yankees team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad along with Dr. Melvin Rosenwasser.
"I was kind of shocked," Girardi said. "He was taking swings in the cage and felt something. It was in his hand or wrist. I'm sure there will be more tests."
Teixeira was set to start at first base for Team USA but was scratched from the lineup for Tuesday's exhibition game against the Chicago White Sox.
"It wasn't something he wouldn't be doing (with the Yankees)," Torre said after the U.S. played to a 4-4 tie with the White Sox. "It was just a freak thing."
Torre said that there already have been conversations about who will replace Teixeira but no decisions have been made. The U.S. opens pool play Friday night against Mexico.
"I'm not throwing any names out," Torre said. "We certainly are looking to fill this spot as soon as possible, so you know I'll meet with my coaches. We'll try to figure it out."
Torre may not have been discussing options with reporters, but he did bring up White Sox slugger Paul Konerko with his manager, Robin Ventura. Konerko went 3 for 3 and drove in a run against the U.S. team in their exhibition game at Camelback Ranch.
Other names that are likely to be discussed are the Tigers' Prince Fielder, the Angels' Mark Trumbo, Mets first baseman Ike Davis and the Red Sox's Mike Napoli, who can catch and play first.
"I was kind of shocked," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.
"He was taking swings in the cage and felt something," Girardi said. "It was in his hand or wrist. I'm sure there will be more tests."
Girardi said he didn't know the severity of the injury or what the next step will be.
"I'm sure our people will want to see him, too," Girardi said.
The Yankees' backup first basemen include Juan Rivera, Dan Johnson and Kevin Youkilis. Youkilis is already replacing the injured Alex Rodriguez at third.
The Yankees entered camp with Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera recovering from injuries that ended their 2012 seasons. Both of their rehabs are going well.
Girardi hinted that Rivera, coming back from knee surgery, could appear in his first game of the spring on Wednesday against the Dominican Republic. Jeter, returning from ankle surgery, may play later in the week.
Earlier in the spring, the Yankees lost center fielder Curtis Granderson for at least the first month of the regular season. They are considering Rivera, Matt Diaz, as well as youngsters Melky Mesa and Zoilo Almonte as possible replacements.
Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki was involved in a car accident on Saturday, but came away unhurt.
Even general manager Brian Cashman is on the shelf after breaking his right fibula and ankle after jumping out of a plane in Miami on Monday to support the Wounded Warrior Project.
Teixeira, who will turn 33 in April, dealt with a respiratory infection and a calf problem in 2012 that limited him to 123 games. He finished at .251 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs.
Girardi wouldn't fully commit that Teixeira would leave the U.S. team, but said the Yankees will want to examine Teixeira.
"It is little more of a concern because he is not here," Girardi said.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
~MTK
