Steve

Karsay

He is still not at 100 percent after recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.

He felt fine after a couple of bullpen sessions over the weekend. Karsay’s pre-surgery velocity has still not returned, so don’t expect miracles when the right-handed reliever returns to action this week.

Karsay, who missed most of the past two seasons with shoulder trouble, has played catch or thrown off a mound every day since camp opened. ''I learned 2 1/2 weeks ago that if I take two days off in a row without doing anything, I’m in trouble,’' he said. ''I can’t take two days off without my arm feeling cranky.’' The Yankees can’t be counting on getting a full season out of Karsay, but if they’re fortunate, he might be good for 40-50 innings.

Karsay shut down a session yesterday and will be examined by Dr. James Andrews today. If he is out for the season, the Yankees will probably make a move to fill the setup hole in their bullpen.

Karsay was examined yesterday by Dr. Allen Miller, the Yankees’ Tampa-based orthopedist. GM Brian Cashman said he would not have any results from the exam last night.

''I think we have to write him off this year,’' manager Joe Torre said. Dr. Andrews will review the results of an MRI Karsay had this week. With Nick Johnson going on the DL, the Yankees were already looking at the possibility of promoting Jason Anderson from Triple-A Columbus to their bullpen. Torre thinks the team will give Anderson a shot before they look to make a trade.

The Yankees are currently uncertain whether Karsay, bothered by a sore shoulder, will be ready for Opening Day.

Karsay, who can’t even shake hands at the moment, can return to throwing in November.

Karsay, on the DL with a sore shoulder, is still at least 2-3 weeks away.

Karsay, who experienced tightness in his shoulder last month, could be ready for a rehabilitation assignment shortly.