Cervelli leaves with concussion

Mar 6, 2010 - 9:51 PM TAMPA, Fla.(AP) -- Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli sustained a concussion after being hit in the helmet by a pitch during the third inning of New York's game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday.

This is Cervelli's second concussion since the Yankees won the World Series in November.

Cervelli, the designated hitter Saturday, was able to walk off the field after being struck by Zech Zinicola's pitch. He was taken to a hospital for a precautionary CT scan, which was normal.

"I feel good," Cervelli said after returning to the ballpark. "Just a little scared. Everything is OK. Rest for a couple days and be back.

"I'm dizzy a little bit, a headache," said Cervelli, who turned 24 Saturday.

Cervelli will be examined by team doctor Dr. Andrew Boyer on Sunday and a specialist one day later.

Cervelli was hit in the same spot, above his left ear, by a back swing in a winter league game in November and Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Cervelli sustained a concussion.

"I'm not going to rush it," Girardi said. "It's a concern anytime you're talking about an injury to the head. We will talk to him. He has to be honest with how he's feeling."

Cervelli is replacing Jose Molina as the backup to Yankees starting catcher Jorge Posada. Molina signed with Toronto in the offseason.

Mike Rivera will take over the reserve catching role with Cervelli sidelined.

Cervelli has not had much luck in spring training. On March 8, 2008, he broke his hand in a collision at the plate during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays.