Updated 6:05 p.m.: The Yankees have just updated us with information about David Robertson. The right-handed strike-out specialist reported elbow discomfort earlier this week, and after getting an MRI in New York, he saw Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion. The arm expert has recommended 10-14 days of rest for Robertson before the reliever should restart a throwing program. With 3.5 weeks left in the regular season, the Yankees could get Robertson back before the playoffs if his elbow responds well to treatment.
In fact, according to team officials, Robertson’s rest should line him up for a return before the playoffs. George A. King III spoke with Brian Cashman, and the Yanks’ GM was bullish on two-week return for Robertson. “He won’t be out more than 10 days to two weeks,” Brian Cashman said to King. “He should be pitching before September [ends]. It’s great news. I talked to [his] agent and David is really is pumped. Like everyone else, he wants to be part of it and he wants to be healthy.”
Over the last few weeks, Robertson had emerged as one of Joe Girardi’s go-to guys for the middle innings. The 24-year-old has thrown 41 innings over 42 appearances and has a 3.29 ERA. He has allowed 34 hits while walking 22 and striking out 61 or 13.4 per 9 IP, tops among Yankee pitchers. All of a sudden, Brian Bruney, Phil Coke and Damaso Marte have to be ready to step up their games.