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Teixeira Cleared to Swing
Mark Teixeira has taken the next big step in his recovery from a torn tendon sheath in his forearm. The big switch-hitter was cleared to starting swinging a bat underwater in the Yankees' therapy pool on Tuesday, reports Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, and when that went well he was given the go-ahead to take 20 "dry" swings (i.e. on land) from both sides of the plate Wednesday.
Tex is still hoping to return sometime in May, though it all hinges on how his wrist reacts to taking swings against live pitching, which is still a little ways away.
Mets Recall Familia
The New York Mets have recalled young righty reliever Jeurys Familia from Triple-A to help out in the bullpen, reports Adam Rubin of ESPN.
The 23-year-old started the year in the Mets' bullpen but was demoted to make room on the roster for Aaron Laffey, who the club needed to make a spot start for the injured Shaun Marcum. Submariner Greg Burke has been demoted to make room on the roster for Familia.
Skole Undergoes Tommy John
Nationals top prospect Matt Skole underwent Tommy John surgery on Wednesday and is expected to miss at least four months in recovery, reports Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington.
Skole, 23, was the Nats' minor-league position player of the year in 2012 and was set to try his hand at Double-A this year before succumbing to his freak injury. The big first baseman tore the UCL in the elbow on his non-throwing arm while attempting to make a tag at first on April 5.
