Robertson returns from disabled list
Yankees closer, 2-for-2 in save opportunities, was sidelined by strained groin
BOSTON -- David Robertson was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, reclaiming his role as the Yankees' closer, and the right-hander said that he was relieved that his layoff only took the minimum amount of time.
"Everything went great. I had no problems, so I'm looking forward to getting back out in the real games," said Robertson, who missed 13 team games with a left groin strain.
New York outrighted left-hander Cesar Cabral to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in order to make room on the active roster for Robertson.
Robertson has not pitched since April 6 at Toronto, but he said that he is not concerned about being rusty because he was able to play catch throughout his DL stint, in addition to pitching an inning in a Minor League game this past weekend in Tampa, Fla.
"Of the 16 pitches, I probably threw six where I wanted them, but at least my velocity was good," Robertson said. "I didn't have any problems, [and] that was the main thing. I was more wanting to see how I was going to respond to it, and the best part was I didn't have any pain."
With Robertson reinstated to the closer's role, manager Joe Girardi said that he will have more flexibility with his usage of right-hander Shawn Kelley, who picked up his first four career saves in Robertson's absence. David Phelps and Adam Warren also logged saves.
"That's some tough situations to be put into," Robertson said. "I know a lot of the guys had been in games like that before, but never so many in a row. Those innings can wear on you.
"They make you tired, make you sore the next day, and every one of them pitched up and pitched great and got the job done. Hats off to them. It was incredible. I hate that I had to go on the DL and put them in that situation so early, but they made it happen."