David Robertson has been sidelined for nearly a month with a left oblique strain, but the Yankees could finally have him back in their bullpen for Friday’s series opener against the Nationals.
According to Barry M. Bloom of MLB.com, Robertson tossed a scoreless inning in his first rehab appearance yesterday with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Yankees manager Joe Girardi is optimistic that he’ll be ready to go after just one more appearance tomorrow.
“We’re just looking for him to have his arm back in shape,” Girardi told Bloom. “Just making sure he can bounce back if he throws a day. I heard no complaints today, so that’s a good thing.”
Robertson was given the first crack at the closer role in the aftermath of Mariano Rivera’s torn right ACL, but he joined the all-time saves leader on the disabled list less than two weeks later. Of course, Rafael Soriano then took advantage by tossing eight shutout innings while going a perfect 8-for-8 in save opportunities. While his impressive streak finally came to an end yesterday against the Mets, he’s expected to keep the closer gig upon Robertson’s return.