Trio of Yankees prospects jump to Tampa

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Three of the Yankees' top prospects are on the move.

Tuesday, the organization promoted from low Class A Charleston to high Class A Tampa outfielders Mason Williams and Tyler Austin, as well as catcher Gary Sanchez.

"They've had enough at-bats where their performance in the South Atlantic League has legitimacy," senior vice president of baseball operations Mark Newman said from his Tampa office. "It's no longer a small sample size, so let's go. Let's see them adjust at the next level."

Austin, 20, recently picked to play in the Futures Game as part of the All-Star break, hit .320 with a .405 OBP with 14 homers and 54 RBIs for Charleston.

"He can hit, he's got serious power and he's become a good rightfielder," Newman said of Austin, an infielder-turned-outfielder. "He's a five-tool guy."

Sanchez, 19, signed as a 16-year-old out of the Dominican Republic as a non-drafted free agent in 2009, hit .297 / .353 with 13 homers and 56 RBIs. Williams, 20, a centerfielder picked in the fourth round in 2010, was at .304 / .359 with eight homers and 28 RBIs. "The game tells you when they're ready to go," Newman said. "They're ready."

Tex not in lineup

Mark Teixeira, who started 74 of 79 games this season, did not start Tuesday night, part of a schedule Girardi and the first baseman mapped out a week ago. Teixeira, still not completely over vocal cord damage, said he's looking forward to the All-Star break.

"This first half has been pretty tough, I haven't felt myself," Teixeira said. "Four days to recharge the batteries . . . Hopefully, the second half is much better healthwise."

Phelps more at ease

RHP David Phelps, who made two spot starts for the Yankees in early May -- one of them against the Rays on May 9 -- will make his third career start this afternoon. "My comfort level is a little bit higher," said Phelps, 1-3 with a 3.16 ERA in 14 appearances. "My nerves aren't going to be as bad as last time."

Extra bases

CC Sabathia (left groin strain) played catch the last two days and is supposed to throw a bullpen session Friday . . . After watching LHP Pedro Feliciano throw a bullpen session before the game, Girardi said he believes "it's possible" the reliever, who had rotator-cuff surgery in September, could help the team later this season.