More Injury Status Updates From Tampa

From the AP via ESPN:

New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada played five innings of defense in an extended spring training intrasquad game Wednesday and is hopeful of rejoining the team during a series that starts Friday night in Cleveland.

He ran from first to third on a single and threw out a runner attempting to steal second base. The five-time AL All-Star played three innings in the field during a simulated game Tuesday.

"It feels good when I'm running," Posada said. "The hamstring is good. Now it's seeing some pitches, getting some at-bats and catching more."

Posada, hitless in four at-bats, flied out twice, struck out, reached on an error and walked.

Outfielder Xavier Nady (right elbow ligament) and infielder Cody Ransom (right quadriceps) also took part in the extended spring game as designated hitters.

Nady went 1 for 3 with a walk. Ransom hit a long homer off Humberto Sanchez and walked twice.

Backup catcher Jose Molina, out with a left quadriceps strain, went through extensive defensive drills, but did not participate in the extended spring game.

THOUGHTS: Don't get me wrong Cervelli has really stepped up for us but having Posada back is a big boost.

Matsui and Swisher have been cold hitters as of late so getting Nady back would help a lot too even as the DH. Matsui needs some time on the bench, not to mention he's a great pinch hitter.