Less than seven weeks after suffering an open dislocation of his right ankle, Joba Chamberlain is walking without a boot and continuing his rehab both from the ankle injury and Tommy John surgery in Tampa. He says he’s currently using a basketball ankle brace (one of these?) and apparently nothing more.

Brian Cashman recently said it’s “definitely possible” we’ll see Joba back on a mound this year, though I still think that’s pretty optimistic. These are two pretty serious injuries suffered at basically the exact same time. Rehabbing from one is hard enough, but both simultaneously? Getting back to the team this year would really be miraculous. Joba has been playing catch since the injury though, so who knows. I’m hoping for the best and expecting the worst.

Via Chad Jennings and Peter Botte, right-hander Joba Chamberlain visited the doctor yesterday and will lose his walking boot next week. He made 50 throws today and said he’s been playing catch regularly since the ankle injury. “It’s going to take a lot of things to stop me from (getting on mound this year),” said the obviously optimistic right-hander. I’m glad he’s working hard to come back, but the Yankees can’t count on Chamberlain for anything this season. Whatever they get out of him should be a bonus.

For what it’s worth, Jennings says Joba has lost a noticeable amount of weight. He wouldn’t say exactly how many pounds he lost, but he did acknowledge that it’s “more than a couple … obviously I look different.” Here’s a photo from last night’s NY Rangers game so you can see for yourself. Notice the scar on his elbow.

Via the AP, right-hander Joba Chamberlain has resumed workouts at the Yankees’ complex in Tampa. He recently played catch with his right knee bent on a stool, just a month removed from his ankle injury. “It’s a little stiff, but good,” said Joba of the ankle, and he’s expected to shed his walking boot in about two weeks. Remember, he’s also got a new elbow ligament to break in as well. It’s not much, but I have to think it’s at least a moral victory for him.

Via Anthony McCarron and Chad Jennings, Joba Chamberlain was released from the hospital in the wheelchair* this afternoon after suffering that open dislocation on Thursday. “Things are going as good as could be expected, as I understand it,” said Brian Cashman. “There’s a limit of what we can give in terms of absolutes, and there’s a spectrum of risk to optimism. We’re not in a position to give absolutes that this is going to be a definite one way or the other.”

Joba will remain in a cast for six weeks then will switch over to a weight-bearing walking boot. Infection remains a concern, but doctors feel the risk is small enough that he was released. With each day that passes, the risk of infection decreases. It’s good news that he was allowed to go home, but Joba still has a long, long way to go between this injury and his Tommy John surgery rehab. Fingers crossed.

* Doesn’t everyone get released from the hospital in a wheelchair? This isn’t unusual, right?

Via Chad Jennings, tests showed no microfractures in Joba Chamberlain‘s right ankle following Thursday’s open dislocation. His is being kept in the hospital tonight as a precaution and will be released tomorrow. He will remain in a cast for six weeks. Infection is the main concern, particularly an infection of the bone which could end his career. Joe Girardi said the Yankees will take is slow with his rehab for obvious reasons, but this is certainly about as good as the news could have been.

Via Jack Curry, Joba Chamberlain suffered an “open dislocation” of his right ankle playing with his son yesterday and had surgery last night. They were at some kind of children’s play place. Brian Cashman called it a “significant injury” and said they “can’t put a time frame” on his return. Joba is in the hospital now and will remain there for a few days.

“We’re worried significantly about him right now for him as an individual,” added Cashman. They’re not sure if the injury is career-threatening, but right now they don’t believe it is. Joba is currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, but this injury will definitely delay the process. There’s a pretty good chance we won’t see him at all in 2012 now. For shame.