TAMPA — Hiroki Kuroda already has claimed a Yankees rotation spot because of his experience as a starter in Japan and Los Angeles.
However, the right-hander, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract, isn’t acting like he has anything locked.
Joe Girardi and pitching coach Larry Rothschild said Kuroda looked good throwing batting practice yesterday.
“Really good, very impressive,’’ Girardi said.
Kuroda’s entry into the Yankees’ universe has gone as smoothly as could have been expected.
“I feel very comfortable here. It’s not like it has been a big adjustment because everybody has welcomed me with open arms,’’ Kuroda said.
Girardi has said Kuroda has a spot in the rotation but didn’t say the 37-year-old righty is the No. 2 starter.
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Joba Chamberlain, coming back from Tommy John surgery in June, will throw off a regulation 10-inch mound today for the second time.
“I will throw three to five more times and then start spinning stuff,’’ Chamberlain said of introducing his elbow to curveballs and sliders. “That’s the next hurdle.’’
Chamberlain, who felt no stiffness or soreness after his first 10-inch mound session Monday, will meet with Rothschild after today’s session.
A 5-inch mound difference doesn’t sound like much, but it was to Chamberlain.
“Going from flat ground to a 5-inch mound is a big deal, and going from 5 inches to 10 is a big deal physically,’’ Chamberlain said. “The mental part has been the easiest part for me.’’
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Robinson Cano returned to camp after missing three days to attend his grandmother’s funeral in the Dominican Republic. Girardi won’t play the second baseman until Sunday against the Phillies at GMS Field.
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Right-handed reliever Manny Delcarmen suffered a strained right rib cage muscle and will be out four or five days, according to Girardi. … Right-hander Adam Warren will start for the Yankees today when South Florida visits GMS Field.
“The guys who play on Saturday will get one at-bat [today],’’ Girardi said.
Though he won’t crack the starting rotation, the Yankees wouldn’t hesitate to promote Warren from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre if needed.