Francisco Cervelli, sidelined since suffering a concussion in a home plate collision Sept. 8 against the Baltimore Orioles, appears unlikely to be available to the New York Yankees for the upcoming American League Division Series. Trying to rehab, Cervelli apparently suffered a re-occurrence of concussion symptoms.
"He threw and did some catching stuff, and some of the symptoms came back," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.
This is at least Cervelli's third concussion, alarming for his long-term future as a catcher at the big-league level.
In the short term the Yankees must decide how to proceed with the backup catcher spot behind Russell Martin. Jorge Posada, who has only caught once this season, and phenom Jesus Montero appear headed to the postseason roster.
Of late, though, it has been obvious that Girardi likes the work behind the plate of Austin Romine, recalled when Cervelli was injured. Romine caught all 14 innings in a loss to Boston on Sunday and was the choice to replace Martin when he was ejected from Monday's game against Tampa Bay. Montero has caught just twice, while the 22-year-old Romine has caught seven times.
The question will be whether or not the Yankees can fit Posada, Montero and Romine on the 25-man postseason roster. If they can't, they might just gamble with Martin staying healthy and leave Romine off the roster.
