When Alex Rodriguez returned to the Yankees lineup in the middle of May the Bombers got an offensive boost. Jorge Posada will return to the lineup Thursday and the team is looking for a similar boost.

The second half surge which got the Yankees back to the playoffs was mostly due to an offense which put up an average of 5.98 runs per game. They’re going to need more numbers like those if they have any hope of more October baseball.

For most of May that offense wasn’t there. With A-Rod and Posada out of the lineup the Yankees averaged 3.6 runs per game. They were lucky to have a 6-9 record during that ugly offensive stretch. Since Rodriguez returned the Bombers are 8-6 behind a healthy 5.64 runs per game.

Part of the reason for the drastic difference in run production is because the Yankee lineup is stacked with lefties. With A-Rod and Posada out Derek Jeter was the lone right handed presence in the lineup. With Rodriguez back and the switch hitting Posada set to return, they now have three strong bats from the right side. On top of that their lineup will be healthy from top to bottom for nearly the first time all season.

Posada’s health will also be a big lift for the young pitchers. They originally hoped he could return behind the plate for Joba Chamberlain‘s first career start Tuesday, but instead decided the risk of extending his injury was too great. Instead he backstopped his second of back-to-back extended spring training games.

Once he returns the Yankees will be careful to not injure the 36-year-old catcher again. He will start behind the plate Thursday and Friday. He will then get a day off on Saturday before going back behind the plate for three consecutive games. After another off day he will likely be cut loose. While the team eases him back into the lineup they will retain the services of journeyman Chad Moeller.

“In my mind, I don’t think [the injury is] coming back,” manager Joe Girardi said. “I don’t want to be in the situation where he catches two days in a row, you give him a day off and then possibly he couldn’t catch that fourth day because he was a little tender. We have to be sure.”

The shoulder problems are not completely behind Posada though. He says that he will likely need surgery to repair the joint this winter.

“There’s no discomfort, but, obviously, something is messed up in there,” Posada said. “We’re going to have to get that fixed after the season. … From now on, at this point, I’m good enough to do the job.”

Coming off a career year where had a .426 on base percentage and .970 OPS, Posada has continued to hit in limited play this season. In just 18 games, only seven starts behind the plate, he has hit .302 with a .810 OPS.

When he returns Posada will try to put the shoulder problems and surgery behind him and hopes to continue his good offensive numbers.

“It feels like early in Spring Training, where there [were] no problems,” said Posada. “I’m looking forward to getting started again.”