Bryan Mitchell finally makes major-league debut

The third time was the charm for Yankees righthander Bryan Mitchell.

Mitchell, who made his major-league debut in the Yankees' 4-1 loss to the Indians, threw two scoreless innings.

It was his first game, but not his first time wearing a Yankees uniform. Mitchell already had been called up twice this season without getting into a game.

"Honestly, I was just glad I was able to throw strikes and get through two innings today,'' said Mitchell, 23. "First experience, pretty nervous. Just trying to make pitches and get outs.''

Mitchell walked the first batter he faced before retiring the next six. He struck out two. One ball struck him -- Ryan Raburn's comebacker, which Mitchell turned into the second out of the eighth.

Asked where it hit him, he said: "Somewhere on the side. I really don't even remember.''

Mitchell became the 31st player to pitch for the Yankees this season, extending their franchise record.

Tex returns

Mark Teixeira went 1-for-4 after missing three games with a deep cut to his left pinkie suffered Wednesday night on a slide at the plate.

Teixeira, who was not sure if he could play until after batting practice, wore a bandage on his pinkie with that finger of his batting glove cut off.

Extra bases

Masahiro Tanaka accompanied the team on the road and will continue his throwing program with hopes of avoiding Tommy John surgery . . . Though manager Joe Girardi said no decision had been made, the team listed Esmil Rogers as Wednesday's starter. That would mean a third rehab start for Michael Pineda . . . Jacoby Ellsbury, whose ninth-inning home run accounted for the Yankees' run, hit .417 (10-for-24) on the home stand. Ichiro Suzuki hit .353 (6-for-17) with four stolen bases.