MLB

JOBA READY TO THROW AGAIN, BUT ROLE UNCERTAIN

Joba Chamberlain begins a throwing program today under the supervision of the 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?

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Derek Jeter is expected to be in the lineup tonight for the opener of a three-game series against the Royals after missing Wednesday’s game with a sore left instep.

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Right-hander Dan Giese was diagnosed with rotator cuff tendinitis yesterday after being examined by Dr. Chris Ahmad at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and placed on the 15-day DL.

Giese, who was Tuesday’s scheduled starter in Toronto, left Wednesday’s game with stiffness in the upper right arm.

Darrell Rasner, who started Wednesday and was going to be skipped in the rotation because of off days yesterday and Monday, is a strong candidate to face the Blue Jays Tuesday in Toronto.

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Hideki Matsui was slated to start a rehab assignment with Single-A Tampa last night, but the game was rained out. Earlier in the day, Matsui drove to Orlando to play in a Gulf Coast League game that was rained out.

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The Yankees and first-round pick Gerrit Cole, a California high school righty pitcher, have until today to agree to a deal, or Cole won’t be allowed to sign with the club that used the 28th pick to take him.

“We are working on it,” scouting director Damon Oppenheimer said.

Cole, who has a scholarship from UCLA if he spurns the Yankees, is being advised by agent Scott Boras. However, industry sources say Cole’s father, Mark Cole, is running the show and is on the demanding side.

“They ask me for information and I give it to them,” Boras said.