Yanks' Swisher encouraged by MRI, cortisone shot

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Nick Swisher's second MRI in two weeks on his sore left knee didn't show anything different from the first one but the outfielder was nonetheless "excited" about the results.

"The major thing they found is there's still some major inflammation in there," Swisher said.

But he said the first MRI was "vague" and he also received a cortisone shot - the first one of his career - that he hopes will expedite his return, which he still very much put in vague terms.

"I'm going to be back as soon as I can," he said. "As soon as this cortisone kicks in and does everything they say it's going to do, it's just a matter of time."

Swisher, who hurt the knee when he fouled a ball off it Aug. 24 in Toronto, said he was told the effects of the shot won't take hold for 48 hours, likely meaning, at the earliest, he'd be available Friday in Baltimore.

"They pinpointed it more," Swisher said of this MRI. "It wasn't as vague a description as it was the first time. I'm happy because it's pointing more [specific] to where the pain is."

Joe Girardi was encouraged for the most part. "There's nothing really structurally wrong but inflammation can be a pain in the rear end too," Girardi said. "And that's what it's been for us. But we'll get it out."

Gardner improves

Brett Gardner, who received an MRI on his right wrist - and also a cortisone shot Monday - didn't swing a bat Tuesday as he had hoped but still said there was improvement. "It's a lot better today than it was yesterday," Gardner said. Girardi said because the wrist only bothers Gardner when he swings, if he can do that without pain Wednesday, he could be in the lineup. "If he swings and he feels comfortable, he could be in," Girardi said.

Hughes ready

Phil Hughes, who starts Wednesday night, said he thinks the one scoreless inning he threw Friday in Texas helped keep him fresh. Hughes' last start came Sept. 5 as he was skipped to keep him at his innings limit, which is believed to be around 175 innings. "I feel like it almost gave me a chance to pitch on that fifth day, even if wasn't a full game," Hughes said. "I'm hoping that will keep me sharp and my fastball where it needs to be. Time will tell." Hughes' second half hasn't been good as he enters Wednesday night 5-5 with a 5.37 ERA after going 11-2 with a 3.65 ERA the first half.