ESPN says that Kevin Brown reported no problems after throwing 69 pitches off a mound Friday as part of his rehabilitation program for a back injury. Brown, who has chronic back trouble, went on the disabled list for the 13th time in his career June 18. It was the third mound session this week for the right-hander, who the Yankees hope could rejoin the rotation as soon as Monday.
Brown said the next test is to see how his back feels Saturday.
"It's a lot better than last week," he said.
Ramiro Mendoza took another step toward possibly joining the Yankees' bullpen for the final two months of the season by throwing 35 pitches in a batting practice session. Mendoza had shoulder surgery in January. He went 2-1 with a 3.52 ERA in 27 games during an injury-marred season last year with Boston.