Teixeira making progress, gets the OK to swing a bat under water

Mark Teixeira finally got the go-ahead to swing a bat from the doctor late Tuesday afternoon.

Although those swings only took place under water, it was significant because it was the first time Teixeira swung a bat since he suffered a torn tendon sheath in his right wrist March 5.

"It's great to have a bat in my hand again," Teixeira said.

It also was, he hopes, the start of a rapid progression that will lead him to playing in rehab games by early May. The switch hitter took dry swings (20 from each side) Wednesday and figures on hitting off a tee by Thursday. Next, assuming there are no setbacks, would be soft toss, followed by indoor batting practice and several days in a row of outdoor BP.

Teixeira said last Thursday he hoped to be taking outdoor BP by Friday in Toronto, a timetable that no longer seems realistic based on the progression he laid out.

Still, Teixeira said the plan is for him to stay behind in Tampa next week when the Yankees are there and ramp up his rehab -- if there are no setbacks along the way. Rehab games would be next.

"We're checking off all the boxes," Teixeira said. "I wish I could have been out there a month ago but we can't be too fast with this."

Of the original 8-10 week timetable, Teixeira said: "I still want to be back in eight [but] if it has to be a little bit slower because of soreness or tightness, then we can take a little bit more time."

Jeter, Grandy updates

Derek Jeter (left ankle) took five rounds of BP for a third straight day Wednesday in Tampa and also took 19 grounders; nine on the grass in front of the infield dirt and 10 at normal depth. He has not attempted to sprint since last week, though the Yankees insist he has not had a setback.

Curtis Granderson (broken right forearm), who has not been cleared to swing a bat yet, shagged fly balls Wednesday in center.