Brian McCann to see more time at first base while Mark Teixeira and Kelly Johnson are out

Brian McCann didn't sign with the Yankees to play first base but that's where the catcher will mostly find himself until Mark Teixeira and Kelly Johnson return.

"I feel a lot more comfortable than I thought I would," said McCann, who Wednesday night started at first for a second straight game.

The Yankees placed Johnson, Teixeira's backup, on the disabled list Wednesday with a strained left groin. He suffered the injury while running out a ball in the 10th inning of Tuesday's 14-inning victory over the Rangers. Teixeira has not played since Sunday because of a lat injury that the Yankees hope will keep him sidelined only four or five days.

McCann started two games at first base earlier in the season when Teixeira was hurt and acquitted himself OK. The catcher, who estimated he played two games at the position in high school, said the most difficult part is where to go when the ball is in play.

"It's just knowing where to be," McCann said. "Knowing little things about the game; a cut-off, I might forget to do that."

"Last night I forgot to follow the trail runner at second. So those little parts of the game over there is different."

Girardi said his other options at first while Teixeira and Johnson are out are catcher Francisco Cervelli and third baseman Chase Headley, acquired Tuesday from the Padres.

As for when to expect Teixeira back, Girardi didn't have a specific day, with the DL still a possibility. "I think you see how he feels tomorrow," Girardi said, "and then you make a decision."

Nothing new on Tanaka

Girardi said he did not have an update on Masahiro Tanaka, out for at least six weeks while he tries to rehab a slightly torn UCL.

morning in Tampa . . . The Yankees called up RHP Chris Leroux from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as the corresponding roster move for Johnson. RHP Bruce Billings was designated for assignment.