Mark Teixeira has been plagued by slow starts throughout his career. The slugging first baseman is hoping to change all that with a productive first spring training with the New York Yankees.
Teixeira, who signed an eight-year deal worth $180 million in the offseason, hit his second spring home run and raised his Grapefruit League average to .391 as the Yankees defeated the Atlanta Braves 6-4 on Saturday.
“I’ve been spending a lot of time in the cage and my swing is coming around,” Teixeira said.
Teixeira has hit .259 with 18 homers and 64 RBIs in April, his lowest totals by far for any full month in his six-year career.
“By opening day, I should be about where I want,” he said. “It takes a while when you are a switch-hitter.”
He was 2-for-2 and walked against Braves starter Jair Jurrjens. His homer came on the first pitch of the fifth inning and sailed well over the fence in right-center field.
“We’ve got a great lineup and I’m going to get pitches to hit all season,” Teixeira said. “We should score a lot of runs.”
ar catcher Brian McCann had to leave in the first after being struck on the right ring finger by a foul tip by Teixeira, but said it was just a bruise.
Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter bruised a knuckle on his left pinkie when he was involved in a collision at first base leading off the game. He left after three innings, but isn’t expected to miss any time.
In other news:
-Los Angeles Angels ace John Lackey received a cortisone shot in his right elbow in an attempt to relieve the pain in his ailing arm, and it’s uncertain when he’ll pitch again.
-San Francisco sent catcher Ronny Paulino to Florida for minor-league right-handed pitcher Hector Correa. The deal was announced Saturday after Paulino was traded Friday night to the Giants from Philadelphia for left-hander Jack Taschner.
-Shairon Martis and Jordan Zimmermann won the last two spots in Washington’s starting rotation. The Nationals also placed outfielder Wily Mo Pena on waivers, and reassigned infielder Jose Castillo and outfielder Corey Patterson to minor league camp. Catcher Javier Valentin also was reassigned, but opted out to become a free agent.
Rockies 10, Cubs 6
At Tucson, Ariz., Garrett Atkins homered in his first game in more than two weeks. Atkins, who hadn’t played since March 10 because of a strained right hip flexor, connected against Ryan Dempster in the first inning.
White Sox 6, Dodgers 1
ndale, Ariz., Gavin Floyd shut out Los Angeles over six innings, scattering seven hits while striking out seven in his first start since agreeing to a 4-year, $15.5 million contract with Chicago.
Red Sox 9, Twins 4
At Fort Myers, Fla., Brad Penny gave up two runs in four innings in his second exhibition start, and remained in competition for the fifth spot in Boston’s rotation.
Twins starter Francisco Liriano was roughed up, giving up home runs to Rocco Baldelli, David Ortiz and Jason Bay in the third inning.
Mets 5, Marlins 4
At Port St. Lucie, Fla., Jose Reyes hit a two-run single in New York’s four-run third inning and the Mets held on for a victory.
Florida’s Dan Uggla hit his fifth homer in the second inning to give the Marlins a 1-0 lead. Jorge Cantu homered in the fourth.
Angels 16, Mariners 9
At Tempe, Ariz., Kendry Morales and Erick Aybar each had four of the Angels’ 20 hits, and Los Angeles got some promising news about Kelvim Escobar.
The right-hander, making a comeback from a torn labrum that kept him out all of last season, retired 10 of 11 batters without giving up a hit in a Double-A game.
Reds 5, Rays 1
At Port Charlotte, Fla., Jason Hammel made his case to win a spot in Tampa Bay’s starting rotation, tossing five scoreless innings.
d on Evan Longoria’s sacrifice fly in the third inning.
Nationals 6, Astros 3
At Viera, Fla., Alex Cintron tripled, doubled and drove in four runs for Washington, and Scott Olsen overcame three errors by Cristian Guzman to pick up the victory in his best outing of the spring.
Olsen pitched 5 2-3 innings, allowing three runs, one earned, on four hits.
Houston’s Lance Berkman was scratched due to biceps tendinitis in his left arm, and is day to day.
Pirates 10, Phillies 4
At Bradenton, Fla., Andrew McCutchen, the former first-round draft pick targeted to begin the season in Triple-A, homered and hit three doubles while going 5-for-5 for Pittsburgh.
Orioles 10, Cardinals 6
At Jupiter, Fla., David Freese, a leading candidate to be Troy Glaus’ opening day replacement at third base, went 3-for-4 with a walk and two RBIs in St. Louis’ loss.
The Cardinals placed Glaus, who had offseason shoulder surgery, on the 15-day disabled list earlier in the day.
Padres 11, Giants 10
At Peoria, Ariz., Chris Young gave up six earned runs and seven hits in two-thirds of an inning before Chase Headley, who went 4-for-5 with a homer, helped San Diego rally.
Brewers 4, Athletics 2
final six innings.
Diamondbacks 5, Indians 3
At Tucson, Ariz., Max Scherzer, slowed by shoulder inflammation this spring, allowed four hits, one earned run, struck out three and didn’t walk a batter for Arizona.
Rangers 8, Royals 5
At Surprise, Ariz., Horacio Ramirez took a step toward claiming one of the final two slots in Kansas City’s rotation by allowing four runs – one unearned – and four hits in five solid innings.
Tigers 5, Blue Jays 1
At Dunedin, Fla., Scott Richmond, in the mix along with left-handers Brad Mills and Ricky Romero for the last two spots in the rotation, gave up five runs – three earned – on six hits in four innings for Detroit.
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