Granderson taking BP; Phelps throws

BOSTON -- The Yankees understandably kept close tabs on Alex Rodriguez's recovery during his time with their top Minor League farm club, but several of the club's other injured big leaguers are also making significant progress down at the organization's Tampa, Fla., training facility.

Outfielder Curtis Granderson is taking batting practice and should participate in simulated games shortly, according to manager Joe Girardi, and right-hander David Phelps threw a bullpen session on Saturday as he aims to rejoin the Yankees' starting rotation.

"He said he felt better than his last bullpen," Girardi said of Phelps, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a right forearm strain. "I don't think he means so much physically, but he probably threw the ball a lot better. When you don't throw for two weeks, you're going to be a little off."

Girardi said that he is uncertain what the Yankees' plan will be for Phelps, who is 6-5 with a 5.01 ERA in 18 games (12 starts) this year.

"He left as a starter, and we envision him as a starter," Girardi said. "I'm not sure what exactly is going to happen, though, when he comes back. We've got to see how he feels and how he does."

Girardi noted that catcher Francisco Cervelli is taking dry swings and throwing, and "says every day his arm feels better." Infielder Jayson Nix got six at-bats in a simulated game on Saturday but did not test his strained right hamstring on the bases.