Teixeira's sore wrist improving; returns to lineup Wednesday against Rays

Mark Teixeira doesn't expect to regain full strength in his surgically repaired wrist until the offseason, but he's willing to tough it out until then to help his club's unlikely playoff aspirations.

The first baseman returns to the lineup Wednesday for the New York Yankees' series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays after sitting out Tuesday's contest with pain in his right wrist.

Teixeira, who had season-ending surgery on the wrist early last season, said he expects it to improve significantly with a full offseason of rehab.

The Yankees enter Wednesday's game six back of the Kansas City Royals for the American League's second wild-card spot.