Kelley is day to day, but back feels better

MILWAUKEE -- Yankees right-hander Shawn Kelley reported some improvement with his stiff lower back and is hoping to be available to pitch before the club's series against the Brewers is complete.

"He feels better," manager Joe Girardi said. "My guess is I don't have him again today. I'm hoping I'll get him back again tomorrow. But he felt a lot better today."

Kelley said that he first started to be bothered by the stiffness during the team's series this week against the Angels in Anaheim. A precautionary MRI taken on Friday in Milwaukee revealed no structural damage, and Kelley said that he does not believe a trip to the disabled list will be necessary.

"We'll just take it day by day," Kelley said.