The New York Yankees today activated relief pitcher Rafael Soriano from the disabled list, an addition to their roster that could turn out to be bigger than any trade general manager Brian Cashman is able to make in the next couple of days.
Soriano, the high-priced free-agent reliever signed in the offseason to set up for Mariano Rivera, had been on the disabled list for more than two months with an elbow injury.
Soriano led the American League with 45 saves for Tampa Bay a season ago, but struggled early this season with the Yankees, compiling a 5.40 ERA in 16 games before going on the disabled list.
Soriano said he would not mind if manager Joe Girardi uses him in the sixth or seventh inning and allows All-Star David Robertson to continue pitching the eighth inning.
If Soriano proves healthy for the rest of the season he would be a huge addition for the Yankees, strengthening an already good bullpen.