Mark Teixeira, Kevin Youkilis hitless but healthy in rehab game

The first rehab game for Mark Teixeira and Kevin Youkilis was uneventful, which left Yankees general manager Brian Cashman satisfied.

Cashman was at Arm & Hammer Park Wednesday morning to watch his starting corner infielders play for the Double-A Trenton Thunder. Both players went 0-for-2 with a walk and handled only routine chances during seven innings in the field. Powered by home runs from top prospects Tyler Austin and Slade Heathcott, the Thunder beat the Erie Seawolves, 3-1.

"The important thing is these guys are healthy," Cashman said. "In Tex's case he kind of needed as close to a full spring training as possible since he didn't have one. On Kevin, it was more about knocking the rust off."

Teixeira and Youkilis will suit up for the Thunder again Thursday night and barring any setbacks will head to the Bronx Friday to join the Yankees for the opener of a three-game series against the Red Sox. Despite the solid performance of replacement Lyle Overbay, Teixeira will be back at first base when he returns.

"Mark is our first baseman so there's no working Mark in," Cashman said. "He's going to return right back to where he belongs. Like we've been doing all year, we'll make this up as we go along. We're looking forward to getting the 'A' team back. We appreciate what the 'B' team has done."

Teixeira has missed the entire season after suffering a partially torn tendon sheath in his right wrist on March 5. He got 37 at-bats in simulated games and extended spring training at the Yankees' facility in Tampa before heading north for the final stage of his rehab.

"It's been feeling great for weeks," Teixeira said of his wrist. "I'm just excited about playing again."

Batting lefthanded, Teixeira popped to short, walked and struck out swinging. He saw 15 pitches in his three at-bats.

"Now you really just want to see pitches and make sure that you're getting as many at-bats as you can and help the team out when you get back to the big leagues," Teixeira said. "I've been anxious to get back since the day I got hurt."

Youkilis, who has been on the disabled list since April 28 with a back injury, flied out to right, popped to first and walked. He'll play third base, first base and designated hitter when he rejoins the Yankees.

"I'm feeling good and moving around," Youkilis said. "I have a maintenance program that I do every day. As long as I keep doing the exercises that I'm supposed to do I think I'll be good."