Jorge Posada Relegated to Bench Role

After only managing a .230 batting average through Saturday’s game against the Red Sox, Jorge Posada has been told by the Yankees that he will no longer be the team’s primary designated hitter.  Posada is expected to finish this season as a bench player for New York.

"“I’m very disappointed,” Posada said. “You want to be out there, but right now, it’s about winning ballgames. He said he’s going to put the best team he can on the field. Today, I’m not in there.”"

Over his 90 games this season, Posada has posted a line of .230/.309/.372 with 9 home runs and 31 RBI’s as New York’s DH.

After a very slow start, Posada was actually able to show signs of life in June, posting a 1.007 OPS that month.

But since then it’s been more of the same for the 39 year old.  Posada is only 16 for his last 78, spanning July and August, with no home runs and 4 RBI’s.

Eric Chavez got the start as New York’s DH last night.  In his first year with the club, Chavez had hit at a clip of .323/.389/.431 entering Sunday’s finale with Boston.

The move has also increased speculation that top prospect Jesus Montero could be on his way up to provide some at bats as DH.  Montero will be called up by the time rosters expand in September, but the Yankees may push up his debut if they think he could help them off the bench now.

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