NEW YORK -- New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman was forthright when asked about the New York Mets usage of left-handed specialist Pedro Feliciano last season, calling it “abusive.”

Feliciano (left rotator cuff strain) is currently on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 22. He is scheduled to begin throwing on Wednesday. And depending how that goes, the Yankees will then determine how they want to proceed moving forward. He will need to complete a throwing program before he returns.

Feliciano led the majors in appearances the last three seasons, and became just the fifth pitcher in MLB history to make 90 or more appearances in 2010.

“He was abused,” Cashman said. “It’s a thin market when you’re looking for lefties, and he’s one of the better ones out there. But you don’t typically go after a guy who’s been used like that.”

Feliciano, who has been undergoing treatment on the injury, said his shoulder is “getting stronger.” But he “doesn’t like being on the DL at all.”

Cashman said the best-case scenario for Feliciano’s return would be “three weeks from when we shut him down for 10 days,” or late April, early May.

However, he’s not concerned that it’s going to become anything major.

“We do expect him to get back,” Cashman said. “It’s not a major concern. If it becomes one, I’ll let you know.”

Feliciano agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with the Yankees in the offseason. New York holds a club option for 2013.