Yankees avoided arbitration with RHP David Robertson by agreeing to a one-year, $3.1 million contract. They settled just above the midpoint of the two figures exchanged earlier this month. Robertson, who was arbitration-eligible for the second time, posted a 2.67 ERA and 81/19 K/BB ratio over 60 2/3 innings last season. He'll set up for Mariano Rivera in 2013.

David Robertson requested $3.55 million and was offered $2.85 million from the Yankees when arbitration figures were exchanged Friday. Robertson, who is arbitration-eligible for the second time, earned $1.6 million last season while posting a 2.67 ERA and 81/19 K/BB ratio over 60 2/3 innings. The two sides will try to find a middle ground prior to a possible hearing in February.

David Robertson gave up two runs and four hits in two-thirds of an inning out of the pen Wednesday against the Jays. Robertson might have gotten tagged with his fourth loss in 10 appearances if not for Ichiro Suzuki making a fine catch on a liner to left. As is, he was credited with his 29th hold despite the sloppy performance. His struggles have to be a source of concern for the Yankees.

David Robertson (oblique) tossed a scoreless inning Tuesday in his second rehab appearance with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Robertson didn't allow a hit and struck out one. He has two scoreless rehab appearances under his belt, which should be enough for him to rejoin the Yankees' bullpen this weekend against the Nationals. He's expected to return in a set-up capacity.

David Robertson (oblique) has been cleared to begin a minor league rehab assignment. Robertson will likely make two appearances for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before rejoining the Yankees' bullpen. He's expected to set up for new closer Rafael Soriano initially but could see save opportunities down the road. Robertson's stellar strikeout rate makes him worth owning in fantasy leagues no matter his role.

David Robertson (oblique) threw 25 pitches during batting practice Thursday. Good news, but the Yankees have yet to decide whether he'll throw another batting practice session or head out on a minor league rehab assignment. Either way, Robertson remains on track to rejoin the Bombers' bullpen late next week. He's expected to set up for new closer Rafael Soriano upon his return.

David Robertson (oblique) will throw batting practice Thursday. Robertson recently began throwing bullpen sessions and hasn't had any setbacks with his strained oblique. If he can get through the batting practice session, he'll begin appear in a rehab game Sunday. He's expected to serve in a setup role upon his return.

David Robertson (oblique) threw his first bullpen session Saturday since landing on the disabled list. The right-hander made it through the session without any issues. Barring any setbacks, Robertson is expected back in mid-June. He's expected to be used in a setup role in front of Rafael Soriano.

David Robertson (oblique) is expected to spend at least two more weeks on the disabled list. "Robertson, I would shoot for not earlier than mid-June," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. Robertson has already played catch on flat ground a few times this week and reported no lingering discomfort in his oblique. But he still has to begin throwing bullpen sessions and batting practice before he can go out on a rehab assignment. In Robertson's absence, Rafael Soriano has locked down the closer's job and returned to fantasy relevancy. The man who led the AL in saves with the Rays in 2012 has converted all six of his save opportunities this year.

David Robertson (oblique) played catch Monday without incident. Robertson is expected to play catch again Tuesday and could get back up on a mound before long. He will need a few minor league rehab appearances, so we're unlikely to see him back in the Yankees' bullpen until late next week at the earliest. Rafael Soriano is holding down the closer role during Robertson's absence and could keep the job even after he's ready to return.