Yankees Injury News: Gardner’s third setback, Rivera eyeing September, Joba close and A-Rod’s stiff neck

The New York Yankees have had their fare share of injuries this season and to incredibly key members of the team. They have received excellent production from the remainder of the roster to offset the missed time to Brett Gardner, Mariano Rivera and Joba Chamberlain. Yesterday, there was plenty of news of varying degrees where it concerned the injured Yankees’ stars.

Gardner suffered yet another setback with his injured right elbow after partaking in a simulated game on Sunday. He woke Monday sore; to the point that he mentioned to his agent that he would not have been able to handle batting practice. This is the third misfire in his recovery process since he went down in mid-April. Gardner will be looked at once again by doctors, and the chances of him missing the entire season continues to grow each time he goes backwards in his recuperation process.

Rivera made a radio appearance on ESPN New York’s Michael Kay Show yesterday afternoon and proclaimed that he is working toward a return in September. That would be September 2012. Long thought to be out for the entire season, Rivera is progressing rapidly. While no one was expecting Rivera to make it all the way back so quickly, he and his doctor feels that if he continues to put the time in he could do it.

Chamberlain is getting closer and closer to a return to the big club. He is expected to pitch in a minor league game today and last threw two scoreless innings on Sunday with the Gulf Coast League Yankees. Chamberlain has struck out four in three innings of rehab work.

Alex Rodriguez awoke Monday with a stiff neck disallowing movement to one side. He was initially set to play third base, but after taking some grounders he was switched to DH. A-Rod has performed extremely well in the DH role this season and he had two more hits last night.

Later this morning, Benjamin Orr will provide an in-depth look at Andy Pettitte‘s recovery and what his return will mean for the Yankees.

Additionally, I’ll visit the Yankees’ options should Gardner’s injury force him to miss the rest of the season.