New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada is banged up.
Posada took a foul tip to the mask against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday and left the game with concussion-like symptoms. His return date is yet to be determined.
According to the New York Post, Posada has been cleared to play, but manager Joe Girardi will make the call when the catcher does.
With less than a month’s worth of games left, the Yankees are hoping to get their five-time All-Star catcher back in the lineup sooner rather than later. If Posada can’t play, Francisco Cervelli will have to step up and fill the position. Journeyman catcher Chad Moeller also is on the Yankees’ roster. Minor league prospect Jesus Montero is unavailable due to an ankle issue, but his injury isn’t considered serious.
Posada has played in 102 games this season. He is hitting .262 with 17 home runs and 53 RBIs. Not having the veteran on the field could hurt the Yankees’ defense and leave a gaping leadership hole as they look to make another playoff run and defend their World Series title.
