Joba Chamberlain eyes return to Yankees next week

Joba Chamberlain eyes return to Yankees next week
August 29
New York Daily News


"Joba Chamberlain is hoping to return from the disabled list next week, although he's the only one laying out any kind of timetable. Chamberlain, on the DL since Aug. 5 with rotator cuff tendinitis, threw a 45-pitch bullpen session Thursday, reporting no problems with his shoulder. Chamberlain is slated to throw a 35-pitch batting practice session Saturday, facing hitters for the first time since he left his start on Aug.4 in Texas. "There's light; I see it peeking through," Chamberlain said. "You learn to be patient. This game is a marathon, not a sprint."

GM Brian Cashman would only acknowledge that once Chamberlain starts facing hitters, he will be "getting extremely close." Since he is unlikely to make a minor league rehab start, Chamberlain is likely to return initially as a member of the bullpen, as he won't be conditioned to throw enough pitches to start.

BULLPEN BAD BOY? The Yanks called up RHP Alfredo Aceves from Triple-A, sending David Robertson back to Scranton to make sure they had enough fresh arms. Aceves, who is listed as being 25, pitched in the Mexican League from 2002-07 before the Yankees bought his rights from Monterey in February for $450,000. He spent time in Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A this year, compiling an 8-6 record and a 2.62 ERA in 25 games (23 starts). "He's moved fairly quickly through our system and people have been real high on him," Joe Girardi said.

Aceves is wearing No. 91, an homage to former NBA star Dennis Rodman. "The way he played, he made other people get (ticked) off. I liked that," Aceves said. The pitcher believes he takes that attitude to the mound; the only difference, he says, is that off the field, "I'm not nuts."



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