Yankee DH Jorge Posada Opts Out of Lineup

May 14 -

Just one hour before the start of the Yankees - Red Sox game on Saturday, Yankees DH Jorge Posada removed himself from the lineup. His reason for doing so remains a bit fuzzy. "I told them I couldn't play today, and I needed time to clear my head," stated Posada, referring to his pre-game meeting with manager Joe Girardi and general manager Brian Cashman. He also cited a stiff back.

When Cashman addressed the media, he claimed that Posada had not mentioned an injury, but simply stated that he could not play. While it was speculated that the slumping DH removed himself from the lineup after being dropped to ninth, Girardi was not convinced. "Jorgie has always been a guy that has worn his emotion on his sleeve. He plays with a lot of passion and a lot of fire. Today he just felt like he needed a day," stated the Yanks manager.

Posada is batting just .167 in 125 plate appearances this season, although he does have 6 home runs. He is 0 for 24 against lefty pitchers, meaning a starting spot in the Yankees' next two games is iffy, even if he does wish to return. They will face two lefties in Boston's Jon Lester and Tampa Bay's David Price.

Andruw Jones replaced Posada as the Yankees DH during their 6-0 loss to the Red Sox on Saturday evening. Girardi was ejected in the 7th inning for arguing strike calls with home plate umpire Mike Winters.