Tue 5/15/12 6:08 PM

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.