Yankees' Jorge Posada out because of muscle spasm

NEW YORK — Jorge Posada missed the New York Yankees’ 3-0 win
over the Boston Red Sox because of muscle spasms near his neck,
an injury manager Joe Girardi said stemmed from knocks the
catcher sustained during a brawl with Toronto on Sept. 15.

Jose Molina took his place behind the plate Saturday.

Girardi said Posada’s trapezius muscle had tightened up,
preventing the switch hitter from swinging freely from the left
side.

“I told him make sure you keep your neck warm,” Girardi said.
“We have to manage it and be smart about it, and we’ll see how
he is tomorrow.”

New York also said A.J. Burnett will be pushed back one day in
the starting rotation to Tuesday. That allows him to be with his
father, who is scheduled for triple-bypass surgery Monday.

Chad Gaudin will start Monday’s series opener against Kansas
City and be followed by Burnett and Joba Chamberlain.