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Joba Chamberlain's dad continues to improve

BY KAT O'BRIEN | kat.obrien@newsday.com

April 19, 2008

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BALTIMORE - The Yankees are looking forward to getting setup man Joba Chamberlain back sometime soon. They don't have a date yet, but Chamberlain released a statement indicating that his father, Harlan, who was hospitalized Sunday night, continues to improve.

"After several difficult days, my father is feeling much better," he said. "He is still in the critical care unit of the hospital and more tests await him, but he is off the ventilator and breathing on his own. Each day, he's acting more and more like himself, and he's even giving people grief - myself included - because the hospital doesn't carry Yankees games on television."

Joe Girardi said he does not want Chamberlain to rush back and added: "He'll be back when he's mentally ready." Girardi said Chamberlain has thrown two side sessions while at home in Lincoln, Neb., most recently Thursday. Girardi said he will not need a rehab assignment.

Chamberlain currently is on the bereavement list. Players can be on that list for three to seven days, and if still away from the team, the team must reapply to extend the absence.

Ramirez promoted

Edwar Ramirez was brought up from Triple-A Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre to give the Yankees a fresh arm in the bullpen and Jonathan Albaladejo was optioned to Scranton. Ramirez entered Friday's game during the Orioles' seven-run sixth. Girardi said he had talked to Triple-A manager Dave Miley and that the word was "he's throwing the ball well." In seven innings, he allowed no runs, two hits and a walk, striking out 11.

Extra bases

Girardi said either Jorge Posada (right shoulder strain) or Jose Molina (left hamstring strain) might start at catcher Saturday ... The rotation for the Chicago series Tuesday through Thursday will be Chien-Ming Wang, Mike Mussina and Phil Hughes. Girardi said the Yankees might reverse the order of Ian Kennedy, who starts today, and Andy Pettitte the next time through the rotation ... Pettitte was at home in Texas on Friday because of a death in his family. He will pitch Sunday.