Don't Expect Soriano Back Anytime Soon

From Brian Costello:

The return of Rafael Soriano incurred another delay this week when the $35 million setup man played catch Tuesday but was then told by the Yankees to rest his arm.

Soriano has been out since May 13 with right elbow inflammation. He met with the medical staff Monday night, and was cleared to begin his throwing program. But after he threw Tuesday, they decided he should rest for another week.

"If we felt it was 100 percent he would have continued with this throwing program," manager Joe Girardi said. "He's close, but he's not quite there."

The Yankees hope Soriano can avoid surgery and rehabilitate the elbow through a strengthening program. Girardi did his best to sound encouraged, but this latest development means Soriano is even further away.

"He was definitely better than he was the last time that he went out and played catch -- much, much better," Girardi said.

As was reported a couple posts back, Soriano was moved to the 60-day DL to make room for Cory Wade on the 40-man roster. This move would make Soriano eligible to return in mid-July.