Not only is Jorge Posada back in the lineup Thursday night against the Baltimore Orioles, but he’s back on the field as well.
Manager Joe Girardi announced that Posada will play first base for the first time this season and Mark Teixeira will take over at DH.
Posada has only started once since the incident Saturday night against the Boston Red Sox, when he asked out of the lineup because he “needed a day.”
The situation played out on national television Saturday night after Girardi penciled in Posada in the No. 9 hole in the Yankees lineup.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman had an impromptu interview with Fox’s Ken Rosenthal, saying Posada asked out of the lineup and their was no injury that led to the former catcher’s decision.
But halfway through the game, Fox reported a tweet from Posada’s wife, Laura, stating that her husband was suffering from back stiffness.
After the game Girardi only took one question about the actual game, and was bombarded with questions about the incident surrounding Posada and the organization.
And in front of Posada’s locker, he once again stated his back was acting up, and that he needed a day out of the lineup.
Posada, 39—who has been hitting under .200 for most of the season—was back in the lineup on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays, and contributed with two hits, including a double, batting lefty in the Yankees 6-2 win at Tropicana Field.
Posada walked in a pinch-hitting appearance for the Yankees in their 7-5 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday night.
The last time he grabbed a first baseman’s glove was in July 2008 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Having Posada bat seventh tonight continues Girardi’s plan of having him bat primary against right-handed pitchers.
Posada—a switch-hitter—is 0-for-24 against lefties this season.
He is currently batting .179, with 6 home runs and 15 RBIs.
