The drama began when Yankees manager Joe Girardi dropped Posada, who is hitting .165 (and 0-for-24 against left-handers), down to the nine spot in the lineup. This would mark the first time Posada hit 9th in the Yankee lineup in 12 years.
Posada originally came out and said that he understood Girardi’s decision however two hours later the veteran catcher/designated hitter was changing his tune and asking to be taken out of the lineup.
So why did Posada want to be taken out of the lineup?
According to sources, Posada told Girardi that he had back stiffness and needed to clear his head. A source later said that Posada was insulted by the Yankees’ decision to bump him down in the batting order.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman was later summoned to try to get Posada to reconsider however Posada wouldn’t budge. It is unclear at this point if Posada will continue to sit out and if the Yankees will take action against Posada which may include putting him on a restricted list and having him forfeit a games pay.
Posada’s wife even got in on the spectacle posting messages on Facebook and Twitter that read; “Jorge loves being a Yankee [more than] anything. He’s trying his best to help his team win. Today, due to back stiffness he wasn’t able to do that.”
Posada’s relationship with the Yankees began to sour this past winter when Brian Cashman informed Posada that he would not catch for the team this season. Posada believes he has been “disrespected a little bit”.
Posada says he isn’t considering retirement.
“I still want to be here,” he said. “I love playing and I love playing for this organization. Hopefully, we can move on.”
Source: New York Post