By KAT O’BRIEN
Kat.Obrien@Newsday.com
Jorge Posada went on the disabled list this afternoon due to his right shoulder, which has a partially torn labrum and possibly other injuries. Season-ending surgery is a distinct possibility for the Yankees catcher.
Posada has been bothered by shoulder problems since spring training, and was on the disabled list from April 28th through June 3rd. Since his return, he had seen limited action behind the plate as his throws had not been at 100 percent. But on Saturday, he hit a breaking point with two poor throws to second base on which he felt significant pain.
“It was a lot painful that day, coming from the All-Star break,” said Posada, who seemed choked-up as he talked.
Posada has felt pain, though, for much of the season, he said. He has had good and bad days in that area, but overall, said: “I have no power. I have nothing in the shoulder. It’s been like that since spring training.”
On Tuesday, Posada will be examined by Dr. David Altchek and undergo an MRI. The Yankees’ best-case scenario is that Posada will rehab and be able to return after 15 days on the DL. If he does return, it could be as a catcher or it could be as a designated hitter/first baseman.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that if Posada can be a productive hitter, but is unable to catch, they might decide to bring him back this season. Said Girardi: “We believe that he can still help us (even if he can’t catch). If he can be a real productive bat for us and still be ready for next year if he had the surgery Nov. 1st, then that’s why we would keep him on the active roster.”
Posada said he will need surgery at some point: “I will have to have surgery no matter what. Either now or later.”
Johnny Damon (left shoulder sprain) was activated from the DL and is batting leadoff as the DH tonight against the Twins. Hideki Matsui will try one more time to rehab his knee without surgery.
Comments (9)
Newsday must have sent my blog comment from the prior thread directly to Girardi's office. Now, some of you guys who are into the trades should send in your requests real soon. The Yankees are in need of some fan imput.
We have 2 catchers on the roster - Molina and Moeller. Had a feeling there were other reasons for keeping Moeller. I say Posada should get the surgery now. He has always been able to throw runners out and you know he has to be frustrated being looked at as a liability because he can't throw anybody out. If Yanks pick up another back-end starter like Washburn, and a righty hitting outfielder - like Nady, we should be ready to make a 2nd half run. Bruney is coming back, so the bullpen is not as big a deal as before (Ramirez can get lefties). I like our chances.
Down with the Devil Rays/RS Nation.
Lets Go Yankees! Feel better Jorgie
Posada's injury really doesn't change very much.
The Yanks are not making a big splash at the deadline.
I don't know how much more evidence people need to accept that Cashman is not going to give up his young talent when he wouldn't do it for Santana or Sabathia.
And Bonds will not be a consideration.
Most of the Yankee solutions are the guys already on the team - Giambi, A-Rod, Jeter, Cano, and Abreu.
Posada should opt to get the surgery done now. Hopefully, he'll be ready for ST in 2009.
With Posada now out - possibly for the season - now go get Holliday and Fuentes. Yanks need a righthanded hitter that plays leftfiled. Gardner isn't the answer and Matsui is a lost cause. If you have to give up some of the youngsters on the farm so be it.. And throw the loot at those 2 guys when their free agency comes up. They need to get quality high performance ballplayers. The other possibility are the Pirates Jason Bay and Marte. It's time the take the gloves off and start dealing. They also need another starting pitcher. Ponson and Rassner aren't the answer. This series against the Twins should be a good indication of what we have. Then the series in Boston is big. So Brian Cashman - there's lots to do -- get crackin'.
Hahahaha, 4 yrs, $52 mill. Luis Castillo is no longer the worst contract in town.
Viper...
Only if the right offer is presented to Brian Cashman would he deal. Posada's injury is not only an alarm now but for his playing future as well .
If something good comes along and it's worth parting with 2nd string prospects then he would do the deal.
If colorado keep asking for Kennedy to trade for Fuentes thta may be considered. frankly from what I heard dude is "shot" but hey maybe he can turn it around. But the mental game may have affected Kennedy.
Viper,
I can't believe that the Yanks are going to go with 3 automatic outs in the line up for the rest of the season.
But, I have to agree with you as far as Cashman making a blockbuster.
I do think that Bonds would be an alternative to making a big splash-type trade.
Amazing. After 98 games this team still can't hit.
Hater,
See, the difference between the Posada contract and Castillo's is this: Castillo sucked BEFORE he signed his contract. Posada had a great year (and career) for the Yanks before he signed his contract and after his shoulder is healed, he will be great again. The only surgery that could help Castillo get any better would have to be performed by Dr. Frankenstein.
Keep trying though Hater, you'll get it right someday. Heck I'll throw you a bone- Carl Pavano! Have at it my friend.....(just keep in mind Moises Alou, Pedro and the Kazmir trade before you get all cocky).
Next Yankee signing = Mike Piazza