NEW YORK — The banged-up New York Yankees placed catcher Jorge Posada on the 15-day disabled list and promoted veteran catcher Chad Moeller from Triple-A.

The Yankees made a series of roster moves before last night's game against Tampa Bay.

Right-handed reliever Mark Melancon was optioned to Scranton-Wilkes-Barre and infielder-outfielder Kevin Russo was recalled from the Triple-A team.

Posada has a broken bone in his right foot that is expected to sideline the All-Star for three to four weeks.

The 35-year-old Moeller has spent 10 years in the majors with several teams. He will be a backup to Francisco Cervelli.

The Yankees also transferred designated hitter Nick Johnson to the 60-day disabled list.

BREWERS

DWINDLING BENCH

The Milwaukee Brewers were down to a three-man bench for their game in Pittsburgh after outfielder Jody Gerut left the team to be with his wife, who is expecting a baby.

The Brewers are carrying 13 pitchers, so infielders Joe Inglett and Craig Counsell and catcher George Kottaras were their only reserve position players for last night's game against the Pirates.

The Brewers are uncertain when Gerut will rejoin the team.

MARINERS

BEDARD DELAYED

The Seattle Mariners are tempering their optimistic hopes for Erik Bedard's return.

Manager Don Wakamatsu yesterday described a plan for the former Baltimore ace that suggests his season debut following shoulder surgery may not come until late June.

The Mariners had been so excited about Bedard's progress that they had raised the possibly of him returning this month. But he had a setback last week when he felt discomfort while throwing 30 pitches in a simulated game.

The left-hander will play catch tomorrow. The team is looking at sending him to its spring training facility in Arizona to throw at least two bullpen sessions and two simulated games before he would start a rehabilitation assignment in mid-June.

RED SOX

BECKETT FAST HEALER

Boston starter Josh Beckett says he expects to be back in the rotation as soon as his 15-day stint on the disabled list is up.

Beckett was put on the DL on Wednesday with a lower back strain. He hurt himself the night before against the New York Yankees.

Beckett had already missed a start with the same injury. This time, he's hoping to give it more time to heal.

Beckett allowed three earned runs in 4 2/3 innings Tuesday night against the Yankees. He's allowed 29 earned runs in his past 27 innings and, for the season, is 1-1 with a 7.29 ERA.

Tim Wakefield will take his start on Sunday against Philadelphia.