Mark Teixeira Strains Wrist, Out for WBC

The New York Yankees and Team USA received some bad news about first baseman Mark Teixeira yesterday, when he strained his right wrist hitting off a tee on Tuesday before a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox, according to reports.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, dealing with a broken leg and dislocated ankle himself stemming from a parachuting accident, said Teixeira will be out at least ten days. Teixeira will not be participating in the World Baseball Classic on account of his bad wrist.

Team USA has not chosen a replacement at first base for the World Baseball Classic, and manager Joe Torre was not speculating after the news about Teixeira broke. ''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 said he was not sure when a decision will be made because he doesn't know who is interested or available. According to Yahoo! Sports Torre had a discussion with White Sox manager Robin Ventura about first baseman Paul Konerko. Other names brought up were Ike Davis, Mark Trumbo and Mike Napoli. Ben Zobrist started for Team USA on Tuesday. They begin pool play Friday with a game against Mexico.

Torre was adamant that the injury Teixeira suffered was not because of his participation in the World Baseball Classic and that he was going through his normal pregame routine. ''If they want to find something wrong, they can use that,'' Torre said. ''I certainly feel bad for Tex, but it's one of those things, it just seems like it's unavoidable."

The Yankees can ill afford this injury, having already lost Curtis Granderson in the first spring training game to a broken forearm. The left side of the Yankees infield is shrouded in question marks as well-Derek Jeter is returning from a fractured ankle and the earliest third baseman Alex Rodriguez won't be back from hip surgery until mid-July at the earliest.