<div><p>New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada will have season ending surgery on his injured right shoulder, the major league baseball team said Monday.</p><p>Posada, 36, has been troubled by pain in the shoulder all season. He was placed on the disabled list last Monday, and had an MRI on Tuesday to determine how to proceed with the injury.</p><p>Posada, who is in the first year of a four-year, 52 million-dollar contract, has played in just 51 games this season due to the injury.</p><p>The five-time All-Star previously had contemplated delaying the surgery until the offseason - a decision which would have jeopardized his health for 2009.</p><p>After meeting with doctor David Altchek last week, Posada opted to have the operation this season.</p><p>Posada batted just .268 this season with three home runs and 22 RBI. He has been used a designated hitter for most of the season due to his shoulder injury, which has hindered his ability to throw out baseruners.</p><p>Jose Molina likely will remain behind the plate for the Yankees (58-46), who trail first-place Tampa Bay by three games in the American League East division.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=29534349&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

Copyright 2008  <a href="http://www.afp.com/english/links/?pid=copyright">AFP American Edition</a></div></div>