Tex still out; Refsnyder filling in at 1st, not A-Rod

NEW YORK — The Yankees are not certain if Mark Teixeira will be available to play first base during this series against the Orioles, and manager Joe Girardi says that he plans to stick with Rob Refsnyder at the position rather than experiment with Alex Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said that he took ground balls over the All-Star break after seeing his role reduced to a part-time designated hitter. He worked out at first base on Friday with infield coach Joe Espada, but Girardi said that he does not yet view Rodriguez as a legitimate option to start.

“He’s just had the one day of work, so I’m not ready to commit to that yet,” Girardi said. “Right now I’m going with Ref there. Alex is DHing tonight. … It’s something that we’ll continue to talk about, but we’ll stick to Ref for now.”

Refsnyder, 25, had never played first base professionally before this season, but the converted outfielder says that he is gaining comfort …

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