DENVER -- Mark Teixeira's injured right knee seems to be improving quicker than initially anticipated, and the Yankees' first baseman believes that he may be able to begin a Minor League rehabilitation assignment next week.
Teixeira said that a combination of cortisone and lubricant have eased the discomfort he feels from an articular cartilage tear in the knee. He is aiming to play for Double-A Trenton beginning next Tuesday, with the intention of rejoining the Yankees for a June 24 game against the Twins.
"It feels so much better," Teixeira said. "I ran yesterday and felt really good running.