NEW YORK -- Left-hander Carsten Sabathia threw a full 35-pitch bullpen on Sunday for the first time since being placed on the 10-day disabled list on June 15 (retroactive to June 14) with a left hamstring strain.
Sabathia, who hasn't stopped throwing regularly since being placed on the DL, could return as early as the end of the month, barring any setbacks.
"Let's see what's next," manager Joe Girardi said. "He's progressing very, very well. He did a full bullpen today, so I'll sit down and talk to everyone involved. Maybe a simulated game is next."
The simulated game would be Sabathia's final step before returning to the rotation. Because his injury hasn't stopped him from throwing, Sabathia said his arm is still as strong as it was before going on the DL.
"I feel good," Sabathia said. "I've been throwing the whole time. It's not like I need to build my arm up."
Sabathia was experiencing a career resurgence this season as a finesse pitcher before his injury, which he suffered in a start against the Angels in Anaheim on June 13.
In 13 starts, Sabathia is 7-2 with a 3.46 ERA. He was on a five-game win streak before exiting the game against the Angels in the fourth inning because of the injury.
Right-hander Luis Cessa joined the rotation in Sabathia's absence. He's lost both of his starts, but he set a career-high with eight strikeouts against the Rangers on Saturday.
Bird runs, yet to fly
Greg Bird ran on the field on Sunday for the first time since suffering a setback to his injured right ankle while on a Minor League rehabilitation assignment.
Bird still isn't ready to start playing again, but said he had no pain during or after his run.
"Hopefully, we can get him back out on rehab [soon] and get him going," Girardi said. "I have not talked to [trainer Steve Donohue], but I wouldn't think that we would take a long time [with Bird]."