Russell Martin’s back still was barking when he woke up yesterday morning, so the Yankees catcher went for an MRI exam that revealed no structural damage.
After going through another day of treatment, Martin said the back felt a little better before last night’s game with the Red Sox, but he still could not play for the second straight night. The Yankees training staff told Martin they believe he has a slight strain in the back.
Other than treatment, the only thing Martin can do is wait.
“Right now, I’m just taking it day to day and see what happens,” Martin said. “I really don’t know. Maybe I wake up [today] and feel great. If I feel great [today] I don’t see why I couldn’t play.”
Francisco Cervelli replaced Martin in the lineup.
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The Yankees were encouraged by Phil Hughes’ two innings in a simulated game yesterday in Tampa and are hopeful he can begin a minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday.
“Hughes threw 30 pitches [yesterday] and they said he looked good,” manager Joe Girardi said. “His velocity was 90 to 92 [mph], a lot of 92s they said. He will make a start next Tuesday for the Gulf Coast League.”
Figure Hughes to need five minor-league starts and no setbacks with the inflamed right shoulder that landed him on the disabled list in mid-April.
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Jorge Posada returned to the lineup after missing Wednesday’s game to be with his 11-year-old son Jorge Jr., who underwent his ninth surgery for a condition he’s had since birth that affects the growth of his skull.
“The operation was good,” Posada said.
Posada was the team’s designated hitter in last night’s 8-3 loss. He went 2-for-4.
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With Joba Chamberlain going on the DL yesterday, Girardi was asked about the status of lefty Pedro Feliciano and righty Rafael Soriano.
“Pedro Feliciano has started [playing] catch and Soriano has not,” Girardi said. “
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The Red Sox sent Dustin Pedroia back to Boston yesterday, fearing he’d be out a month. Last night, manager Terry Francona said he expects the second baseman back in the lineup tonight in Toronto. One report said Pedrioa had just a bruised kneecap. — with Brian Lewis