Joba Chamberlain pitches from half-mound
Yankees relief pitcher Joba Chamberlain, who injured his right ankle while jumping on a trampoline with his son, wears his hospital bracelets as he speaks to reporters. (March 27, 2012) Credit: AP
DETROIT -- Less than a week after suffering an open dislocation of his right ankle in March, Joba Chamberlain said he would pitch again in 2012.
It sounded overly optimistic at the time and still might be a long shot, but he took a significant step in that direction Saturday.
According to Joe Girardi, Chamberlain threw a half-mound session in Tampa ahead of when most thought he would be able to get on a mound.
"I've always said I believe he'll be back,'' Girardi said. "Knowing Joba, I believe he's going to be back for us this year. This [validates] that belief.''
Girardi said there still are big obstacles to overcome, primarily his ankle being able to handle the "pounding'' a pitcher goes through. "Having to cover the base and when you land as a pitcher, when you push off,'' he said. "Those are the hurdles he's going to have to clear.''
Moving along
Brett Gardner (strained right elbow) took batting practice indoors for the second time and should progress to taking batting practice outdoors early this week. David Robertson (strained left oblique) threw a bullpen session Saturday, the first in his recovery.
Soler a free agent
CBSsports.com reported that Cuban rightfielder Jorge Soler, whom the Yankees scouted during the winter, became a free agent Saturday. "Strong everyday player,'' an AL talent evaluator said of Soler, 20, reported to be 6-3 and 205 pounds. The Yankees like Soler, who impressed with his power potential, but it remains to be seen how much they'd be willing to bid.
Roadies
Entering yesterday, the Yankees had 38 homers on the road, best in the majors. They ranked sixth with a .265 (243-for-917) road batting average and were averaging 5.12 runs per game on the road, fourth-highest in baseball.
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