Yankees' Teixeira receives cortisone shot for ailing neck

New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira received a cortisone shot in his neck Monday in an effort to expedite the slugger's return to action.

Teixeira was held out of Monday's opener against the Philadelphia Phillies after experiencing stiffness in his neck for two weeks, according to manager Joe Girardi.

Teixeira's MRI results were positive, the team said.

"It's hard to turn," Girardi told reporters before Monday's game. "I think we've all experienced that. It can be frustrating, and it's irritating. It's something that's tough to play in, because obviously they have to turn a lot in this game."

Girardi said Teixeira is expected to miss at least a few more days due to the injury. The 35-year-old is enjoying a resurgent season, ranking third in the American League with a team-leading 18 homers through 65 games.