TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees closer David Robertson pitched in an extended spring training game for the first time since being sidelined by a groin strain and expects to rejoin the team Tuesday.
The right-hander allowed one hit and struck out one in 1 1-3 innings of an intrasquad game Saturday.
"I think I’m ready to go pitch," Robertson said. "Groin felt fine."
Robertson felt discomfort April 6 in the ninth inning of a 6-4 win over Toronto and was placed on the disabled list. He is replacing major league saves leader Mariano Rivera, who retired after last season.
First baseman Mark Teixeira went 2 for 4 with a walk in his third extended spring training game since injuring his right leg. He said he is ready to return Sunday, the first day he’s eligible to be activated from the DL.
"We kind of tested it in a lot of different ways," Teixeira said. "I’ve had a lot of good work, so there’s really nothing else for me to do."
The switch-hitter doubled to deep left right-handed and lined an RBI single to centre from the left side. Teixeira played seven innings of defence and made a diving catch to his left on a third-inning grounder.
Teixeira hurt an adductor muscle that runs alongside the hamstring trying to make a play on a foul grounder April 4 against Toronto.
Right fielder Carlos Beltran was back in the starting lineup as the designated hitter for Saturday night’s game against Tampa Bay after sitting out Friday because of left shoulder and right wrist soreness. He flipped over the short wall down the right-field line while chasing Desmond Jennings’ foul ball Thursday.
Manager Joe Girardi didn’t rule out Beltran playing in the field Sunday.
"I wasn’t sure we’d have him back this weekend," Girardi said.
Girardi said infielder Brendan Ryan, out with a pinched nerve in his upper back, took simulated at-bats instead of playing in the extended spring training game because of a sore hamstring.
