The Yankees are holding out hope that reliever David Aardsma (elbow) can pitch this season. Aardsma hasn't appeared in a major league game since the 2010 campaign, but he began throwing again in late August and may be cleared to join up with the Yankees in about a week. The Bombers signed the former Mariners closer to a one-year, $500,000 contract in February. It includes a club option for the 2013 season.

David Aardsma (elbow) wrote on his Twitter account that he made 50 throws from a distance of 60 feet. Aardsma was pulled off a rehab assignment in late June due to a setback with his surgically-repaired right elbow, but he's currently trying to ramp up his throwing program again. He hasn't given up hope of returning this season, but he's going to have to make quick progress.

David Aardsma (elbow) has been shut down for two more weeks. The determination was made after Aardsma was seen by his surgeon Dr. Lewis Yocum and team doctor Dr. Christopher Ahmad. He'll be re-evaluated after the two weeks before restarting his throwing program. The Yankees remain optimistic that he'll contribute at the big league level this season.

David Aardsma (elbow) allowed an unearned run over two innings Tuesday in his third rehab appearance with the Gulf Coast League Yankees. Aardsma has yet to allow an earned run during his rehab stint, compiling a 7/1 K/BB ratio over five innings. The 30-year-old right-hander could join the Yankees' bullpen at some point after the All-Star break.

David Aardsma (elbow) pitched a scoreless inning for the Gulf Coast League Yankees Tuesday. He walked one and struck out two in the outing. "It felt amazing to get out there today," Aardsma tweeted. "Threw well, but the job isn't done. Need to #keepworking if I want to get to the #yankees." Aardsma is recovering ahead of schedule and is aiming to join the Yankees bullpen sometime after the All-Star break.

David Aardsma (elbow) is so far ahead in his rehab that ESPN New York writes that "he is now considered a strong possibility to pitch for the Yankees this season." Aardsma, who underwent Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery last July, tweeted last week that he would be ready by early July. Yankees GM Brian Cashman said August or September is more realistic.

David Aardsma is scheduled to face hitters Friday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last July. It's a big step for Aardsma, who began throwing breaking pitches during his bullpen sessions about two weeks ago. If all goes well in his rehab process, he could join the Yankees' bullpen around the All-Star break.

David Aardsma (elbow) has begun throwing sliders. The rehabbing right-hander had been limited to fastball-only bullpen sessions for the past couple of weeks, but he's beginning to take significant steps forward. Aardsma, who underwent Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery last July, could be a candidate to join the Yankees' bullpen before this year's All-Star break.

Yankees placed RHP David Aardsma on the 60-day disabled list with an elbow injury. The move was made in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Eric Chavez. Aardsma, who signed with the Yankees last week, is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and could be a factor during the second half of the season.

Yankees signed RHP David Aardsma to a one-year, $500,000 contract. Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News was the first to report the terms of the contract. Aardsma isn't expected to return until the second half of the season following Tommy John surgery, but the former M's closer could end up paying big dividends down the line as the deal includes a club option for 2013. This is your classic low-risk/high-reward move.