Soriano out 2 months with inflamed elbow

Rafael Soriano was diagnosed with an inflamed ligament in his right elbow and will miss at least two months, the Yankees announced Wednesday.

The reliever flew to Pensacola, Fla., Wednesday to meet with noted sports surgeon James Andrews, who, after reviewing a contrast dye MRI taken on Tuesday, determined Soriano should rest for two weeks before starting a conservative throwing program.

General manager Brian Cashman said the pitcher could be back to facing hitters four to six weeks after the two-week rest period but could not specify whether that would be in a major-league game.

"Obviously we have a lot invested in this player and we're counting on him to give us championship-caliber innings to help us get the ball to Mo [Rivera]," Cashman said. "But he's not going to be in a position to do so until he's healthy. Hopefully we're going to give him the greatest care he can possibly get and get him back as soon as practical, not as soon as possible."

Soriano, signed to a three-year, $35-million deal in the offseason, has been on the DL since May 17. He is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in 16 appearances this season.

Robertson goes home

Reliever David Robertson left after Wednesday's game and returned to his tornado-ravaged hometown of Tuscaloosa, Ala. He said he and his wife, Erin, who set up a fund through their foundation in order to collect money, are committed to seeing that donations go to those most in need.

Extra bases

The Yankees claimed RHP Kanekoa Texeira off waivers from Kansas City. He will report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. To make room on the 40-man roster, they transferred Phil Hughes (shoulder inflammation) to the 60-day disabled list.