Joba Could Return Next Week

From SI.com:

Joba Chamberlain thinks he could return to the New York Yankees next week, and he expects to be used out of the bullpen.

On the disabled list with rotator cuff tendinitis, Chamberlain threw 45 pitches off a mound Thursday and said his arm felt good. His next step will be facing batters in a simulated game Saturday at Yankee Stadium.

If he feels OK following that session, the 22-year-old right-hander reasons he would soon be ready to come off the DL.

"We'll see how everything comes out," Chamberlain said. "I think right after that we'll be ready to get going."

Asked if he expects to return in a starting role, Chamberlain said: "I wouldn't think so, just the way it has been. But who knows?"

This is very good news but the Yankees should still be very careful with Joba. They're trailing by six games and the chances of making the postseason are slim, the most important thing is making sure Joba remains healthy for '09 and beyond.