Teixeira plays despite vocal cord damage

NEW YORK, June 7 (UPI) -- The New York Yankees said Thursday Mark Teixeira had been diagnosed with nerve damage to his vocal cords but will play despite the diagnosis.

Teixeira had recently been suffering from a persistent cough, and that led him to seek treatment at a New York hospital Thursday. The Yankees said a specialist told the first baseman it could take as long as a year for him to recover fully.

Teixeira was in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against Tampa Bay. In his 52 games this season prior to Thursday's contest, Teixeira had batted .249 with 10 homers and 33 RBI.