Tests on Posada show he didn't suffer concussion

While the Yankees were celebrating Nick Swisher's walk-off home run Wednesday, Jorge Posada was visiting a neurology specialist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

According to a statement released by the Yankees, the tests performed were negative and Posada is listed as day-to-day.

Shortly after the 3-2 win over the Orioles, Joe Girardi revealed that the 39-year-old catcher was unavailable for the game because he was experiencing concussion-like symptoms.

According to Girardi, Posada got hit by a foul tip during Tuesday night's game and was feeling "foggy" after the game. When Posada arrived at Yankee Stadium Wednesday, he told Girardi he hadn't slept well and woke up with a headache. After running some tests at the Stadium, Posada left in the middle of the game to see the neurologist.

Questions arose regarding Posada's availability when he wasn't called upon to pinch hit for Francisco Cervelli in the seventh inning. The light-hitting backup catcher grounded out on the first pitch with two outs and the tying run on third.

When news of Posada's symptoms came out, there was initial concern that the Yankees might be without him for a considerable amount of time.

"Whenever you start talking concussion," Girardi said, "there's a lot of concern."

Cases of mishandling players with concussions and the resulting lingering effects has led teams to err on the side of caution by providing players ample time to recover.

The Mets' Jason Bay suffered a concussion after colliding with the outfield wall July 23 at Dodger Stadium. He played in the next two games before experiencing symptoms and hasn't played since. He recently was moved to the 60-day disabled list.

The Twins' Justin Morneau has missed the last two months and continues to experience concussion symptoms after being kneed in the head while sliding into second base July 7. The timetable for his return remains uncertain.

If Posada - who is hitting .262 with 17 home runs and 53 RBIs - misses time, taking his place behind the plate will be Cervelli and Chad Moeller, who was called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as the third catcher when rosters expanded Sept. 1. With their three-game series against the Rangers not beginning until Friday, the Yankees won't leave for Texas until this afternoon. Whether Posada will travel with the team remains to be seen.

"It all depends on what the doctors say," Girardi said before learning the results of Posada's neurology tests. "If the tests come back OK, then we will probably take him with us. But if the tests don't, then I'm not sure what you do. That's something I'll let the doctors determine what's the best thing to do in that situation."