NEW YORK — Jorge Posada was a durable staple in the Yankees' lineup for a decade. Now, New York is growing accustomed to trying to win without him.

Posada was placed on the 15-day disabled list yesterday with a strained right hamstring that is expected to sideline the All-Star catcher for two to three weeks.

It was frustrating for Posada, who toiled through months of a strenuous rehab program to get ready for this season. He missed most of last year due to a right shoulder injury that required surgery.

"This is tough on me because I worked really hard to be here," Posada said. "Just one of those things that you can't control, and you try to stay positive. But it's not easy."

The five-time All-Star was injured while sliding into second base during Monday night's 6-4 loss against Boston.

Also yesterday, Alex Rodriguez homered twice and played seven innings in the field for the second straight day in an extended spring training game at Tampa, Fla.

Sidelined since undergoing right hip surgery on March 9, the third baseman could rejoin the Yankees for Friday night's game at Baltimore.

ELSEWHERE

Astros: Houston right-hander Roy Oswalt left yesterday's start against Washington in the sixth inning after bruising a bone on the index finger of his pitching hand when he bunted foul off the tip of his bat in the fifth.