Yanks shut down Rafael Soriano

NEW YORK -- So much for New York Yankees right-handed reliever Rafael Soriano getting back on a mound later this week.

Soriano had his throwing session on flat ground cut short on Monday afternoon, and underwent a dye MRI on Tuesday, manager Joe Girardi said before Tuesday night's game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.
Results of the MRI, at this point, are unknown, but Girardi said the team should have them by the end of Tuesday night.

"I'm more concerned now," Girardi said. "I thought we'd have him getting ready to go on a rehab assignment soon. But that doesn't seem to be the case now."

Girardi had said that Soriano was "progressing" on Sunday, and the 31-year-old was slated to get back on a mound sometime after the Yankees completed their six-game homestand, which will conclude on Wednesday afternoon.

But Girardi said Soriano complained of "soreness" in his right elbow on Monday, and has been shut down for an indefinite period of time.

Soriano was placed on the disabled list on May 17 (retroactive to May 14) with right elbow inflammation.

General manager Brian Cashman was adamant that he wanted no part of Soriano in the offseason, but he was overruled by Yankees officials, who inked Soriano to a three-year, $35 million free agent contract.

So far, the move has clearly not worked out. Soriano has struggled to adapt in his new environment -- both on and off the mound.

He has already given up nine earned runs -- or three fewer than he surrendered all of last season, when he had 45 saves as the closer of the Tampa Bay Rays.

In 15 innings out of the Yankees bullpen, Soriano has a 1-1 record and a 5.40 earned run average.

Soriano recently caused a stir in Tampa when he told reporters that the Yankees' woes had to do with the offense, and he could not be utilized in his regular role with the team continually trailing.

Soriano has had significant arm issues in the past. He dealt with a serious elbow injury in 2008, and also underwent an MRI on May 17, the same day he was placed on the DL.

Girardi said the first MRI came back "clean," but he doesn't sound as optimistic this time around, meaning Soriano could be out much longer than initially thought.

Mike Mazzeo is a regular contributor to ESPNNewYork.com.