Encouraging Workouts For Gardner & Robertson

From Bryan Hoch:

Brett Gardner and David Robertson inched one step closer to coming off the disabled list on Monday, working out at the Yankees' Minor League complex in Tampa, Fla.

Gardner took dry swings to test his strained right elbow and Robertson played catch without feeling any discomfort from a strained left oblique, which is encouraging news for a Yankees club that is looking forward to their respective returns.

"Everything went well, so they'll move on to whatever they have to do tomorrow," manager Joe Girardi said.

The Yankees have ruled out the idea of Robertson rejoining them on this road trip, making his earliest possible return date June 5 at Yankee Stadium against the Rays. Robertson hasn't pitched since May 11.

Girardi said that Gardner, who hasn't appeared in a big league game since April 17, will need to play in a few Minor League rehab games before the Yankees can seriously consider activating him.

Gardner's best-case scenario would be 10 days away, but the Yankees figure to be cautious because any further setback could mean they would be without the speedster until the All-Star break.

Good news for the Yanks. Unfortunately for them, they don't play the A's everyday so they're going to need these guys if they plan on continuing their move up in the standings.