Joba Set To Begin Throwing Again

From George A. King III:

Joba Chamberlain Joba Chamberlain begins a throwing program today under the supervision of the Yankees New York Yankees ' training and coaching staffs at Yankee Stadium.

The two biggest questions surrounding the pitching face of the troubled franchise are: 1) Will the Yankees' place in the standings determine if Chamberlain returns? and 2) If he does come back, will he go back into the bullpen?

The Yankees have discussed returning Chamberlain to the bullpen to reduce the stress on the right shoulder that was invaded by rotator cuff tendinitis and landed him on the disabled list Aug. 5.

But what happens if the Yankees are hopelessly buried in the AL East and wild-card races when Chamberlain, who is eligible to come off the DL Wednesday, is ready to pitch? Do they chance further injury in meaningless games in order to get Chamberlain big league innings?

The last thing I would do is put him back in the pen, he was just getting settled in as a starter so there is no reason to screw up his head once again. If the Yankees are that worried about putting him back in the rotation this season then they should just shut him down for the rest of the year. I've been saying this for a while now, it's not worth risking an arm like Joba's on one season, especially one season that is pretty much over already in terms of making the postseason.