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Mark Teixeira spoke to the media on Thursday for the first time since straining the ECU tendon in his wrist, an injury that is expected to keep the Gold Glover out of action until sometime in May. Here are some highlights of the briefing, courtesy of a series of Tweets from YES Network analyst Jack Curry:

Teixeira said its very disappointing to have injured wrist. "Better to get hurt now than April 5," he said. Doesnt think he'll need surgery

— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) March 7, 2013

Teixeira said the tendon straining and not tearing was critical. If it tore, said he would have needed surgery.

— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) March 7, 2013

Teixeira said he won't be able to swing until he's pain free. Hurt wrist while swinging weighted bat and hitting off a tee. Was swinging LH

— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) March 7, 2013

Prior to the Yankees’ game in Jupiter, Fla., on Thursday afternoon, manager Joe Girardi said that Dan Johnson and Juan Rivera would be the first in-house options given a chance to replace Teixeira with an occasional cameo from Kevin Youkilis – and in his own media briefing, Youk had a little fun with reporters on the subject.

Before Kevin Youkilis fielded questions from reporters, he said, "Yes, I can play first base."

— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) March 7, 2013

When asked what he'd say if Yanks asked position preference, Youkilis playfully said, "I don't want to start any controversy, but shortstop.

— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) March 7, 2013