Times wires
Sunday, May 15, 2011
NEW YORK — Jorge Posada apologized to the Yankees on Sunday in face-to-face conversations with manager Joe Girardi and general manager Brian Cashman, saying simply, "I had a bad day" that boiled over into a messy public spat.
"All the frustration came out," Posada said. "It was just one of those days you wish you could take back."
Posada was not in the lineup against Red Sox LHP Jon Lester one night after asking to sit out, the beginning of a bizarre saga that led to New York contacting the commissioner's office about possible recourse.
But by Sunday, the five-time All-Star, 39, was smiling and laughing in the clubhouse, appearing generally relaxed despite his .165 batting average.
"We had a nice conversation. We talked about being emotional and going through struggles and what defines who you are. He apologized and said, 'I had a bad day,' and I said, 'I have had bad days, too,' " Girardi said. " 'I know it's hard to struggle, but you're going to get through this.'
"It wasn't the typical Jorge Posada face. Yeah, he was a little emotional. I was emotional in there because he's one of my guys. I feel for what he's going through."
Yankees spokesman Jason Zillo said the team considers the matter closed.
RANGERS HEALING: Injured Rangers OFs Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz could be back in the lineup together soon, though at Double-A Frisco.
Cruz, who has been out since May 3 with a strained right quadriceps, is expected to begin a rehabilitation assignment today at Frisco. Hamilton will work out with the team in Chicago then return to Texas for an MRI exam on his broken upper right arm. He could join Cruz in the Frisco lineup Wednesday.
A'S: Closer Andrew Bailey, who has been out all season with a strained right forearm, felt fine a day after throwing 18 pitches in an extended spring training game and could begin a rehab assignment this week.
BRAVES: 3B Chipper Jones was pulled from the starting lineup because of soreness in his right knee. … RHP Brandon Beachy went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained oblique, and RH reliever Scott Proctor was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett.
CARDINALS: CF Colby Rasmus, still feeling discomfort from a strained muscle near his abdomen he sustained May 9, took a day off.
METS: RF Carlos Beltran returned to the lineup after getting medication for a mild infection in his right eye.
TWINS: LH reliever Jose Mijares has a sore pitching elbow and is likely to go on the disabled list.