Change in approach for Mark Teixeira

Mark Teixeira, after two consecutive games batting seventh, batted third Wednesday night against Royals’ LHP Will Smith. Girardi would not say whether that will be the case Friday night against Oakland RHP Tyson Ross.

Teixeira, after saying “you have to produce” regardless of where he’s at in the lineup, said he needs to be more aggressive.

“I’ve been putting too many balls in play I think,” said Teixeira, who entered last Wednesday night hitting .229 with a .281 OBP with five homers and 20 RBIs. “I don’t think I’ve been as aggressive. Maybe it’s good to not see as many strikes and kind of lock in on your pitch and what you want to hit.”