Yankees’ Posada may undergo season-ending shoulder surgery

NEW YORK (AP) — Jorge Posada wants to help the New York Yankees win this year, and be ready for the start of next season.

He may have to choose between the two.

Posada went on the 15-day disabled list for the second time this season Monday, and the veteran catcher could be headed for season-ending surgery on his injured throwing shoulder.

“It’s just really, really tough,” Posada said. “Right now, I’m going through tough times.”

Posada was scheduled to see New York Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek today to have an MRI and his shoulder examined. He missed more than a month earlier this season with right rotator cuff tendinitis.

Acknowledging there’s more damage in the shoulder beyond a torn labrum, Posada could miss the start of next season if he puts off the necessary surgery.

“That’s the biggest thing,” he said. “I don’t want to miss two years. I’m already flustered with this one because I haven’t been 100 percent and I’ve been trying to play through a lot of pain.”

Posada hasn’t played since he left New York’s 4-3, 12-inning win over Oakland Saturday before the 10th, and said the shoulder has been bothering him since spring training.

He said it’s also affecting him at the plate but insisted he could fight through it if all he can do is serve as a designated hitter/first baseman for the rest of the season.