Nerve damage culprit for Teixeira's cough  —  NEW YORK — The mystery of Mark Teixeira's persistent cough was solved on Thursday, as a specialist told the Yankees first baseman that he has suffered nerve damage to his vocal cords.  —  Teixeira was pleased to finally receive a definitive answer and a treatment plan.

Rays 7, Yankees 3: Yankees Miss Chance to Move Into First  —  The Yankees started a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this week trailing them by one and a half games in the American League East.  They gained a game on them in the series, and taking two out of three over a division rival is an achievement.

Buchholz's changeup a beauty  —  Resurgent righty shuts out Orioles  —  Clay Buchholz (right) was charged up with batterymate Kelly Shoppach after his four-hit, complete-game shutout against the Orioles.  (John Tlumacki/Globe Staff)  —  Clay Buchholz was the worst starting pitcher …

First-rounder Cecchini agrees to terms  —  Gavin Cecchini, the Louisiana high school shortstop selected by the Mets in the first round, has agreed to terms with the organization, a source familiar with the negotiations told ESPNNewYork.com.  The deal is pending a physical.  Cecchini tweeted he was headed to New York.