New York Yankees Bullpen: Group Survives Absence Of David Robertson

David Robertson Injury Update: New York Yankees Reliever Throws 1-2-3 Inning In Rehab Assignment

For the second straight day, New York Yankees reliever David Robertson was impressive during a rehab appearance with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Robertson started a Tuesday afternoon affair against Louisville, throwing nine of his 14 pitches for strikes during his second rehab outing since going on the disabled list with a strained rib cage. He struck out one batter while retiring all three hitters he faced in order.

After Robertson was similarly efficient on Monday, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he could return to the team as early as this coming weekend during a series against the Washington Nationals.

"We just need to make sure that his arm's back in shape," Girardi said Monday. "He only threw 11 pitches (Sunday). I think he threw a few more in the bullpen. I hear no complaints today so that's a good thing.''

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David Robertson Injury Update: Yankees Reliever Very Efficient In Triple-A Appearance

New York Yankees relief pitcher David Robertson pitched in the seventh inning of Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre's game against the Louisville Bats on Sunday. Robertson threw 11 pitches (eight strikes) in the inning of relief, striking out one batter and giving up zero hits and zero walks.

Robertson pitched in place of injured closer Mariano Rivera before going on the 15-day disabled list with an oblique injury. In his two save opportunities, Robertson has one save. Overall, Robertson is 0-1 in 15 appearances (14.1 innings) in 2012 with a 2.51 ERA and 24 strikeouts.

Since Robertson's injury, Rafael Soriano has assumed the closer role for the Yankees. He earned a save in each of his first nine opportunities before blowing a save in today's game against the New York Mets. Soriano gave up three hits and an earned run in 1/3 of an inning in the Yankees' 5-4 win.

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David Robertson Injury Update: Mid-June Target For Return, Says Yankees GM Brian Cashman

New York Yankees reliever David Robertson, out since May 11 with a rib-cage injury, is expected to miss at least another two weeks.

General manager Brian Cashman told ESPN New York that Robertson, who had been New York's first choice to replace injured Mariano Rivera as closer, is expected to be out at least until the middle of June.

"They are all guessing games," Cashman said. "If it is sooner, great. If it is later, then it is later.

"If you are trying to iron me down right now, I would say mid-June. He hasn't had any setbacks in the last 48 hours."

The 27-year old is rehabbing at the Yankees' spring training complex in Tampa, but still hasn't begun bullpen sessions, simulated games or rehab games.

"None of that has happened yet," said Cashman, who typically is cautious with injuries. "He didn't think this was a serious issue and then the next thing you know, it turned into a DL and it has turned into something that is longer than 15 days."

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David Robertson Injury Update: Yankees Place Reliever On Disabled List