Injury concerns mount for Yanks

The Yankees offensive MVP, Carlos Beltran, is dealing with a tight right hamstring. Their slugging but hobbled first baseman, Mark Teixiera, believes he will need season-ending surgery if his injured right knee isn’t handled properly. And now catcher Brian McCann is dealing with patellar tendinitis in his left knee.

No wonder there is so much talk about the Yankees potentially selling off assets prior to the July 31 trade deadline to ensure a brighter future.

Both Beltran and Teixiera were out of the lineup Wednesday as the Yankees rallied for a 9-7 win over the AL-West leading Rangers at the Stadium. McCann rubbed his left knee as he rounded the bases on a solo homer in the eighth, but remained in the game, hit a game-tying three-run homer in the bottom of the frame and said he isn’t concerned about missing any time with the knee because it felt fine when he squatted between innings.

The 39-year-old Beltran, meanwhile, is a major concern.

“The fact that he’s not in the lineup today [and] it’s not completely gone, that’s worrisome,” manager Joe Girardi said. “We’ll go day-to-day and see where he’s at. I don’t think I’m going to have [Bel- tran on Thursday], either.”

With Beltran out, Aaron Hicks was given the start in right field and Alex Rodriguez served as the designated hitter, getting the start against a right-hander after sitting the previous two times against righties.

Beltran, by far the Yankees best offensive player this year — he’s posted a .906 OPS with 19 home runs and 53 RBIs — felt the hamstring grab Tuesday after singling to left field, and left the game. Girardi said the hamstring had improved slightly Wednesday, but it would be easier to manage if he was being used as a DH. However, the Yankees this weekend will be in San Diego, where Beltran will have to play the outfield if healthy.

“You want to feel good that when you put him out there, he’s going to be OK,” Girardi said. “But in the situation that we’re in, you can’t necessarily wait as long as you want.”

Teixeira, meanwhile, reported soreness following Tuesday’s game, and after talking with Girardi, was given Wednesday night off. The 36-year-old Teixeira, who came off the disabled list Saturday, is dealing with torn cartilage in his right knee.

Teixeira said the knee hasn’t locked up, that it’s just sore. Both Girardi and Teixeira are planning for him to be in the lineup on Thursday.