TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada broke his nose Wednesday when he was hit in the face by a ball while playing catch.

Posada was scratched from the starting lineup for Wednesday night’s game against Boston, and X-rays revealed a nasal fracture. Posada was to remain in the hospital overnight and was expected to be released Thursday morning.

Yankees manager Joe Torre said Posada had minor swelling above his left eye and was bleeding from the nose, but his vision was fine.

Posada was playing catch with backup catcher Kelly Stinnett when he was hit by the ball.

In other news, Yankees center fielder Johnny Damon, slowed by left shoulder tendinitis, is set to play the field for the first time today.

since being hurt during the World Baseball Classic. He was the designated hitter Wednesday in his first game against his former team.

Damon left the Red Sox for a $52 million, four-year deal with the Yankees during the offseason.

AP-ES-03-22-06 2101EST