ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Jorge Posada tested his balky right shoulder by playing catch with Tony Pena in the Tropicana Field outfield yesterday during batting practice and displayed strength that wasn’t there when he was forced into action Sunday night in Boston and instructed not to throw to second.
“Getting closer,” Posada said on his way off the field after the 53-toss effort with coach Tony Pena.
Posada said Monday he was considering taking a cortisone shot and was suspected of getting a shot Saturday night in Boston when a Red Sox doctor visited him in the Fenway Park trainer’s room. He made 40 long tosses yesterday and 13 from a distance that was about the same as from home plate to second base. Those throws had life on them.
“He was closer today, and it’s possible we will see him fairly shortly,” said manager Joe Girardi, who added he didn’t think Posada will play tonight against the Red Sox. “His velocity was better [yesterday], and hopefully it will be better [today]. I need to see the velocity I am used to seeing.”
Posada hasn’t started behind the plate since April 8 and wasn’t the DH for the second straight game last night after serving in that role for the previous four games.
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Jose Molina, Posada’s backup who was forced out of Sunday’s game with a tight left hamstring, is getting closer to returning. Chad Moeller started for the second straight game last night against the Rays. Molina threw and took BP but was held back from running.
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Yankee players will have their lockers cleaned out by clubhouse staff after tomorrow night’s game in order to prepare for Pope Benedict XVI’s Sunday visit to Yankee Stadium. While the Pope will dress in the umpire’s room, the church’s cardinals will use the Yankees clubhouse.
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LaTroy Hawkins switched to Paul O’Neill’s 21 at the start of the season when Morgan Ensberg didn’t want the O’Neill’s popular digit. Now, Hawkins doesn’t want it and will return to No. 22 today.
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When Ian Kennedy limped out of Tropicana Field on Monday night, he looked like a DL candidate after taking a Jason Bartlett liner off his right hip in the seventh inning. Yesterday Kennedy said there wasn’t much of a problem and expected to make his next Saturday in Baltimore. . . . Girardi on wearing Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 jersey last night: “It’s special. Sometimes you feel you aren’t worthy.” . . . Jeff Karstens, who is on the DL with a groin injury, plans to start throwing off a bullpen mound this week. Humberto Sanchez and Andrew Brackman, who are rehabbing with Karstens in Tampa, also are throwing on the mound. They are coming back from Tommy John surgery.