Yankees catcher Posada out for at least five weeks

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada is expected to be sidelined for at least five weeks because of an injured right shoulder, the team said on Friday.

However, the 36-year-old was relieved to hear he would not need surgery until the end of the season.

"I thought I was going to have to get surgery," Posada told the Yankees' official Web site (newyork.yankees.mlb.com).

"We'll look at that option probably after the season.

"I got the last of the news today and it has all been the same. All of the doctors agree that it just needs rest and to get the shoulder strong."

The All-Star catcher, out of action since playing against the Cleveland Indians on Saturday, was put on the disabled list for the first time in his career on Monday.

Three doctors reviewed his MRI scans on Friday and have advised him to rest for two weeks while continuing to have heat and ice treatment before resuming throwing.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Posada would probably need a rehabilitation assignment to help strengthen his shoulder and arm but could return to the major leagues after a five-week layoff.

"You have to build up some stamina but, for now, we're just trying to get through the first two weeks," he added.

Also on the disabled list for the Yankees are American League MVP Alex Rodriguez (thigh strain) and starting pitcher Phil Hughes (fractured rib).

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Rutherford)