Yankees' Jorge Posada Returns To Field... But Not At Catcher
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — Yankees veteran Jorge Posada was back in the playing field for the first time this year on Thursday.
But the longtime catcher wasn't behind the plate for New York's 13-2 win over Baltimore. He was manning first base while Mark Teixeira filled in as designated hitter.
Manager Joe Girardi said he had this idea for several days. Posada, who took himself out of the Yankees' lineup last Saturday when Girardi put him in the ninth slot, batted seventh.
"He was good," said Girardi. "He's been working at it. I told him you've got to start working at it more now without (Eric Chavez). He seemed to have fun. He swung the bat well, too."
Posada wasn't the only backstop out of position. Russell Martin made a cameo at third base late in the game.
"It's tough when you're not there a whole lot," Posada said. "It's not an easy job. ... I've taken ground balls there but once the game starts it's completely different."
Posada, starting at first for the first time since 2008, walked twice and had a run-scoring double. He's batting .183 after Thursday night's win.
"I'm swinging at strikes and getting good pitches to hit and taking counts to my favor," said the veteran. "Hopefully, I can continue that."
Posada played first base twice during spring training.
What did you think of Jorge's skills at first? Comment away below...
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