A-Rod out of Yanks' lineup; Posada's tests sent to Kremchek

In this April 27, 2008 file photo, New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez reaches for ball in a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians in Cleveland. Rodriguez was out of New York Yankees' listed starting lineup for a strained right quadriceps for Tuesday night's April 29, 2008 game against Detroit. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File)

NEW YORK—Alex Rodriguez was sent for an MRI exam on his strained right quadriceps Tuesday, and the New York Yankees were waiting for three more opinions on Jorge Posada's injured throwing shoulder before determining whether the All-Star catcher needs surgery.

Rodriguez was out of New York's starting lineup against the Detroit Tigers and he left Yankee Stadium to have the scan.

"If he's not playing tonight, let's just do it to get more information," general manager Brian Cashman said.

The third baseman was removed for a pinch hitter in the eighth inning of Monday night's 5-2 win at Cleveland. A-Rod said he felt a "pull" while running the bases.

"It might be two days, but I'm not under the impression that it's going to be long," manager Joe Girardi said.

The three-time AL MVP missed three games last week after injuring the leg, then returned for the four-game series at the Indians.

"I don't think he made it worse, and I don't think it's as bad as it was in the beginning, but it's not where we want it to be," Girardi said. "He's going to get a day here. We'll see how he is tomorrow. He's not where he needs to be. We have to make sure that he doesn't get hurt seriously. ... We'll just take it slowly and try to be real smart about it."

Posada, placed on the disabled list Monday for the first time in his career, was examined by orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in Alabama. Girardi said the scans from those tests were being sent to Cincinnati Reds team physician Dr. Timothy Kremchek, a shoulder specialist.

Posada also was scheduled to be examined Tuesday night by Yankees physician Dr. Stuart Hershon, and on Thursday by New York Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek.

"Till all the doctors weigh in, I'm not going to guess and speculate. When they give me concrete information I'll be sure to share it," Posada said through club spokesman Jason Zillo.

Girardi said he remains optimistic that Posada won't need surgery, which would sideline the durable catcher for an extended period. For now, his injury has been termed a strained right shoulder.

"He had a good meeting with Andrews. The films are being sent to Kremchek and so we'll wait for that and we'll go from there," Girardi said.

The Yankees hope to get Kremchek's opinion in the next few days.

Chris Stewart made his first start behind the plate for New York against the Tigers, one day after being called up from the minors.

Still hoping to avoid season-ending surgery, reliever Brian Bruney went for a third opinion on his injured right foot and was waiting for the results. Bruney is on the 15-day DL.

The Yankees also optioned reliever Chris Britton to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and recalled right-hander Edwar Ramirez from their top farm club.

Ramirez pitched in one game for the Yankees earlier this season, throwing 2 1-3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts and a walk.

"He gives us a different look, and he's got the great changeup," Girardi said.

Britton was recalled from Triple-A on Friday but did not appear in a game with New York.