Joba takes next step

Joba Chamberlain threw 30 pitches in a bullpen session today, taking his next step toward a return. But when will that return come? There’s the big question. Chamberlain thinks he can be back by the beginning of September, but Joe Girardi won’t look that far ahead. The manager won’t look any farther than the next bullpen session, which is scheduled for Monday. Here’s my question: is it worth bringing him back this year? That all depends on how close the Yankees are to the wild card, of course. If they’re within three or four games in the first week of September – and Chamberlain is 100 percent healthy – then they have to bring him back for the stretch run. But what if this week’s series with the Red Sox goes badly and they’re eight or nine games out? Do you take any chances with the most valuable arm in your organization for what would be an unlikely run at a playoff spot? Chamberlain has thrown 89 innings this season, about 50 or 60 below ... (link)