Posada mulls over position change

Posted: Wed Jul 23 1:32 PM

Bronx, NY (Sports Network) - New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada revealed Wednesday that he is mulling over a position change once he returns from his latest trip to the disabled list.

The Bombers placed Posada on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to Sunday with pain in his right shoulder.

The five-time All-Star had an MRI on the shoulder Tuesday and it was revealed that his right labrum is deteriorating and will require surgery. However, Posada has apparently chosen to see if he can continue playing this season as a first baseman or designated hitter because the injury does not affect his swing.

Since six months of rehab is expected in problems of that type following a procedure, Posada is aiming to return to the club and be productive without missing time next season. New York might not have Hideki Matsui for the remainder of the campaign and having Posada's bat in the lineup might be key down the stretch.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi and general manager Brian Cashman are expected to meet with Posada in the next two weeks to discuss the correct way to proceed.

Posada, who had never been on the DL in his career prior to 2008, spent 32 games on the shelf earlier this season with right rotator cuff tendinitis. When he returned he was unable to make routine throws without feeling pain in his shoulder.

The 36-year-old is batting .268 this season with three homers and 22 runs batted in while playing only 51 games. Posada has appeared in at least 110 games every season since 1998 and has been one of the most prolific offensive catchers in recent history.