New York Yankees: Jorge Posada Likely Headed to DL

Last Tuesday, Jorge Posada was healthy enough to go back behind the plate. On Friday, they released his replacement. On Sunday, things took a turn for the worst. 

Before the game, Posada was a last-minute scratch, and after the game he said it is likely he’ll make his first-ever trip to the disabled list.

“It’s very disappointing,” said Posada. “It’s the biggest disappointment probably in my career. Not being able to participate in games is really tough.”

Posada has a torn subscapularis muscle, according to the New York Times, but he says he will not need to undergo surgery.

Initially, the problem was diagnosed as a minor strain, as Posada was regulated to DH duty. Eventually, he felt well enough to go back behind the plate, but it was clear things were not getting better for Posada.

In the past week, Posada has started in just three of the past five games. During that time, he only was able to throw out one of the five runners who attempted to steal on him.

Now, the Yankees are being extra cautious by keeping him out of the lineup completely.

In his place will be Jose Molina. So far this year Molina has hit .286, but he is without a hit since his own hamstring injury kept him out of action. This time, the Yankees likely won’t have Chad Moeller behind the plate as insurance.

In order to send Moeller back down to the minors last week, the team was forced to DFA'd him. By doing, that he is exposed to waivers and teams still have time to claim the journeyman catcher before the Yankees can recall him.

So let’s say the Boston Red Sox decide to thin out the Yankees roster by claiming Moeller. Who is going to back up Molina?

That is most likely going to be the job of Chris Stewart. Stewart was drafted in 2001 by the Chicago White Sox and has played 23 games at the major league level during his career. Having last played in 2007 for the Texas Rangers, Stewart has a career .200 average over 45 at bats.

This article originally appeared at Hot Stove New York.