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Kevin Youkilis took six at-bats in Tampa on Wednesday.

(John Munson/The Star-Ledger)

BALTIMORE — Yankees manager Joe Girardi intends to visit his well-stocked roster of starters on the mend Thursday morning at the team’s complex in Tampa, Fla. But for now, he’s still just getting updates sent from team officials. He relayed those Wednesday afternoon.

First baseman Mark Teixeira (strained wrist) received six more at-bats in a simulated game. Teixeira wrote on his Twitter account he went 2-for-4 with two walks.

Infielder Kevin Youkilis (lower lumbar strain) also took six at-bats in a simulated game. But Girardi indicated an exact return date could not be established.

"I think you’d have to give him a few days in a row before you evaluate to make sure his back is healed, and it doesn’t come back," Girardi said before Thursday night’s game against Baltimore. "The last two days have been pretty good. So he’s getting closer."

• The Yankees have charted a course that would have starter Andy Pettitte (strained trapezius muscle) ready to pitch very close to June 2, when he is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list. Girardi expects Pettitte to play catch either Thursday or Friday. After long tossing and throwing a bullpen, Pettitte would likely work in a simulated game.

• CC Sabathia will start on Sunday, with Vidal Nuno still slated to pitch on Saturday. Nuno gave up a walk-off homer in relief on Tuesday night.

• Alex Rodriguez (hip surgery) had a day off from his rehab, Girardi said.

• Starter Ivan Nova (triceps inflammation) threw another bullpen session Wednesday, but Girardi indicated the team was still deciding the next step for him.

"I’m not sure exactly what we’re going to do," he said. "We’ll make sure he feels okay, and then we’ll go from there."

The team initially penciled Nova in for a big-league return on May 13 in Cleveland. It is unclear if the Yankees intended to use him as just a spot starter, optioning him to Triple A after the doubleheader, or if he was to regain a roster spot.

But Nova experienced tightness in his left side while preparing for that outing. He was scratched, and the team is being cautious with his return.

"We’re able to be patient, because we want to make sure he’s healthy when he comes back," Girardi said.

Plus, new fifth starter David Phelps (3.83 ERA) has out-performed Nova (6.48 ERA) thus far.

• Starter Michael Pineda (shoulder surgery) could be ready to start a rehab assignment after two more appearances in extended-spring games. Pineda threw about 50 pitches in his last outing. The team wants him built up to 75 pitches before he begins rehab games, and he raises his pitch count by about 15 each time out.

The rehab assignment lasts 30 days. If the team does not need Pineda in the majors then, he could continue to work in the minors.

• Reliever Joba Chamberlain (strained oblique) threw an inning in an extended-spring game.

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Catcher Chris Stewart (sore groin) had yet to test himself by running. He still hoped to return to action this weekend against the Rays.

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Here are the lineups as Hiroki Kuroda (6-2, 1.99 ERA) faces Jason Hammel (5-2, 5.72 ERA):

YANKEES (28-17)

1. Curtis Granderson, CF

2. Robinson Cano, 2B

3. Vernon Wells, LF

4. Travis Hafner, DH

5. Lyle Overbay, 1B

6. David Adams, 3B

7. Ichiro Suzuki, RF

8. Reid Brignac, SS

9. Austin Romine, C

BALTIMORE (24-21)

1. Nate McLouth, LF

2. Manny Machado, 3B

3. Nick Markakis, RF

4. Adam Jones, DH

5. Chris Davis, 1B

6. Matt Wieters, C

7. JJ Hardy, SS

8. Chris Dickerson, CF

9. Alexi Casilla, 2B