Yankees Injury Updates

Two from me today, I know, but there is some news that has yet to be mentioned that needs to be.

According to Ben Shipgel, Derek Jeter has begun "functional exercises" and will be set to resume baseball related activities this week. Joe Girardi said the Yankees hope that Jeter, on the disabled list since June 14th with a strained right calf, will be able to return the first day he is eligible to come off the DL. If he only misses the minimum 15 days, Jeter's first game back will be on June 29th against the Brewers.

Additionally, Jeter will likely need a Minor League rehab stint of a game or two in order to fully test his calf.

George King of the New York Post said Rafael Soriano has reported to the Yankees' Minor League complex in Tampa after spending a significant amount of time with a physical therapist in the New York area. Recent reports surrounding Soriano were that he had been transferred to the 60-day DL and was not quite ready to resume a throwing program. He is eligible to return in the middle of July.

More news on Bartolo Colon and Eric Chavez after the jump.

Via Yankees beat writer Bryan Hoch, Bartolo Colon has begun a throwing program. Colon is dealing with a hamstring injury, and the timetables on these types of injuries are very tricky. He is eligible to return from the DL in four days, but given that he has just started throwing, it is safe to assume he will not return after his 15 days are up. Colon will also likely need a rehab start or two before returning to the Bronx.

Also from George King (link above) and Chad Jennings of the Asbury Park Press, Eric Chavez took batting practice for the first time since breaking a bone in his foot. He also took ground balls and did some running on a treadmill. Obviously, this is a significant step in returning from a broken foot bone. The Yankees lineup could sure use a boost from Chavez on days Alex Rodriguez or Mark Teixeira need a day off.

Overall, Yankees fans have to be happy with the progress made. It seems like Jeter will be the first to return from the DL, and a return from Rafael Soriano will be welcomed with open arms given the state of the Yankees' bullpen. Colon had been outstanding before his injury, and Chavez had been everything the Yankees could have hoped for in a utility role. 

Come back healthy, everyone.