David Adams is slightly behind schedule in spring training due to a back injury.

"He's rehabbing currently some back issues," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "So he'll start behind in big league camp." Adams missed most of two seasons with a persistent ankle injury, and the back ailment won't help his chances at landing an Opening Day bench spot.

The Yankees are hopeful that prospect second baseman David Adams will be ready for spring training.

Adams, 24, was limited to just 29 games this past season due to a nagging ankle injury, but the Yankees still elected to protect him from this December's Rule 5 Draft. "He's still rehabbing," said Yankees senior vice president of baseball operations Mark Newman. "We'll see how it goes. We're hopeful. He works his rear end off. He's a fabulous guy, and he's got ability." The 2008 third-round pick has an impressive .291/.375/.447 batting line in the minors, but hasn't played anything close to a full season since 2009.

Yankees purchased the contract of 2B David Adams from High-A Tampa.

Adams batted .370/.421/.509 over 29 games in an injury-shortened 2011 season. The former third-round pick has little in the way of tools but profiles as a solid backup at the major league level.