Antonio

Osuna

Osuna will throw another inning this week and ''could be back this weekend,’' GM Brian Cashman said.

Osuna has been getting treatment from the Yankee trainers, and when he reports to Tampa, he’ll be ready to do more substantial rehab on his groin. The Yankees don’t plan to make any trades to bolster their bullpen with Osuna and Steve Karsay out, and Mariano Rivera on the mend.

Osuna will throw in an extended spring game this week.

Manager Joe Torre said he hopes Osuna will start throwing off a mound sometime this week.

Unless he has a setback, Osuna will be ready to claim his spot in the bullpen next month.

Osuna, who picked the Padres over the Giants, will still need to make the team in spring training in order to receive his money. There’s not much doubt that he will as long as he stays healthy.

Expect Bret Prinz to be sent down to make room for Osuna, who was with his mother while she underwent angioplasty.

The condition improved, and manager Bruce Bochy said Osuna might be available tomorrow. ''We suspect he may have a bone chip in his elbow,’' trainer Todd Hutcheson said.

Osuna has been out since June 10 with an elbow strain. Padres manager Bruce Bochy said Osuna’s return likely won’t come before the Sept. 1 roster expansion.

Osuna, who had been out with a strained groin, will take over as one of Mariano Rivera’s setup man.