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NEW YORK (AP)

No matter how fast Jorge Posada heals, the New York Yankees are going to be without their star catcher for a while.

Posada has a broken bone in his right foot that will sideline him for three to four weeks, the Yankees said Wednesday night. Posada, however, insists it won't take that long to return to the lineup.


"I was hoping that it was just a bone bruise, but I woke up this morning and I was still limping,'' Posada said. "At least it's not broken the whole way. I've never had a problem with my feet before.''

The 38-year-old switch-hitter has sat out the past three games. He had an MRI exam Wednesday that showed a hairline fracture on the bottom of his foot, and New York manager Joe Girardi revealed the disappointing news following a 10-6 loss to Tampa Bay.

It's a major blow to the defending World Series champions, who have lost seven of 11 since a six-game winning streak. They already were missing three other injured regulars and versatile reliever Alfredo Aceves before backup outfielder Marcus Thames sprained his left ankle Wednesday night. Thames is day to day.

"We can't feel sorry for ourselves. Teams playing us don't feel sorry for us,'' shortstop Derek Jeter said. "Other guys have to pick it up.''

Posada, a five-time All-Star, is batting .326 with six homers and 14 RBIs. He also has eight doubles and a .406 on-base percentage.

"He's our catcher, a DH, switch-hitter. It's a big hurdle. We're going to have to overcome it,'' pitcher A.J. Burnett said.

Posada missed 22 games last May with a strained right hamstring. He is a dangerous presence in the middle of the lineup and a respected veteran in the clubhouse, one of the Yankees' lauded "Core Four'' along with Jeter, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera.

"Jorgie's been a leader,'' Girardi said. "It's something we dealt with last year. Someone's going to get an opportunity to perform.''

Backup catcher Francisco Cervelli probably will take over the starting job while Posada is out.

The 24-year-old Cervelli has played extremely well this season, emerging as a pleasant surprise at the plate. He's hitting .373 with no homers and 17 RBIs in 67 at-bats, but he's not a power threat and he knows how valuable Posada is to the Yankees.

"That's sad,'' Cervelli said after hearing the news. "Everybody knows we need him.''

Girardi said right fielder Nick Swisher (sore left biceps) will be evaluated again Thursday to see if he can play. The switch-hitter hasn't been able to swing left-handed, and right-hander James Shields starts Thursday night for the Rays against Andy Pettitte.

Down to two healthy outfielders and one catcher, the Yankees likely will place Posada on the disabled list Thursday and make other roster moves.