RHP Gaudin returns to Yankees bullpen

MINNEAPOLIS - A familiar face was in the Yankees bullpen for last night's game at Target Field.

Righthander Chad Gaudin, released by the Yankees at the end of spring training and then released by the A's May 21, arrived in Minneapolis Wednesday morning, having been signed to a major-league deal.

To make room for Gaudin on the 40-man roster the Yankees designated RHP Shane Lindsay for assignment. To make room on the 25-man roster LHP Boone Logan, who had a 5.06 ERA in 13 appearances, was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The A's signed Gaudin just before the start of the regular season but the 27-year-old didn't pitch well, going 0-2 with an 8.83 ERA. But with Alfredo Aceves' back showing no signs of improvement, the Yankees are hoping Gaudin can recapture what made him an effective member of last year's bullpen.

After Gaudin was acquired from the Padres last Aug. 6, he went 2-0 with a 3.43 ERA in 11 appearances (six starts). Gaudin started the spring as a dark horse candidate for the Yankees' fifth-starter job, which eventually went to Phil Hughes.

Aceves evaluated again

Alfredo Aceves, whose lower back flared up Tuesday when he threw in Tampa, returned to New York Wednesday to be evaluated by team physician Dr. Chris Ahmad. "He'll continue to rehab his back and that won't include throwing at this time," Girardi said.

Aceves, who has a bulging disc, is unlikely to return from the DL any time soon. "The fact that he's not throwing for a while kind of clues us in that it's not going to be right away," Girardi said

Robertson OK

RHP David Robertson is feeling all right, Girardi said, after taking a line drive to his back off the bat of Joe Mauer in yesterday's first game. "I have to imagine as the day goes on he'll stiffen up and I probably wouldn't use him tomorrow anyway," Girardi said. Robertson allowed two hits and no runs in 12/3 innings, throwing 37 pitches.