Nick Johnson’s chances of returning to the Yankees in 2011 is now officially lost according to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News. He will undergo another surgery on his wrist – the second of the year.

Johnson was signed last winter for $5.5 million to replace Johnny Damon as the team’s No. 2 hitter. He ended up hitting .167 with 2 home runs and 8 RBIs in 24 games this season.

Feinsand says it’s unlikely that the Yankees will exercise Johnson’s $5.5 million team option for next season. Rather, they are likely going to pay the $250,000 buyout. It’s unknown if his wrist surgery will affect Johnson’ ability to play in 2011.

Johnson, 32 next month, hit .291/.426/.405 with 8 home runs and 62 RBIs in 133 games for the Washington Nationals and Florida Marlins in 2009.